So, rather than risk getting stuck again, I was fully prepared this time to transfer into one of the Vatican Museums manual wheelchairs for the trip down to the Chapel. The accessible balconies on all of Royal Caribbeans newer ships are not an issue as they were designed to have level access from the stateroom onto the balcony. I stayed right near the entrance inside the tender, so I was the last one on the tender and the first one off. and died at the young age of 18.
Of course, the highlight of the Vatican Museums is the Sistine Chapel. Of course, no cruise itinerary would be considered accessible without the ship itself having a great level of access, and although the Legend of the Seas is one of Royal Caribbeans older ships, accessibility on board was very good overall. Visit an ancient fortress in Malaga.
Paul wanted to come to the theater to talk to the men, but he was advised against it by the disciples and other city officials for his own safety (Acts 19:23-41).
After only our second day at sea, we arrived in Alexandria, Egypt. Once inside, the main hall and the walkways around the upper and lower levels are completely paved. Then we met up with our driver again and continued on down the coast to the town of Amalfi. Barcelona is just one of many vibrant ports you can visit on Norwegian's 2022 Mediterranean cruises.
There are plenty of notable things to see along the way though, including the Pantheon, the Trevi Fountain, Piazza Venezia, the Capitoline Hill, and the Forum. Altogether, the ship made stops at 7 ports in 4 countries. seabourn september october cruise odyssey august july cruises greece italy athens voyage days venice itinerary map deluxecruises
He wasnt unique though thats the way everyone drove. The only slight problem with the hotel that we found at the beginning was a little 3 or 4-inch lip at the main entrance to the hotel.
I have visited Athens twice now each time for a day tour, and each time I left feeling like there was a lot of the city that I missed out on.
We began our second full day of sightseeing in Rome at the Colosseum. So, I made sure to tell the guide right away so that he could plan the days schedule accordingly. I e-mailed the Vatican a couple of weeks prior to the trip to inquire about the lift situation, and they said that it would not be a problem to transfer into one of their manual wheelchairs. We arranged several transfers through a company that has wheelchair accessible vehicles. Second, the Acropolis should be visited first thing in the morning. Once inside the Forum, I managed to wheel around a little bit, although the pathways were sporadic in terms of accessibility. The elevator in the hotel was plenty long enough to accommodate me, which is often not the case with many elevators in Europe. It was very accessible as the bathroom had a roll-in shower and there was plenty of space to maneuver around in the room.
They arent really sure what happened in my case, although they did intend to investigate to ensure it doesnt happen to other guests.
The house serves as a chapel now, and people can file through to see the inside of the house.
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It wasnt until about 10 minutes later that we heard an announcement over a loudspeaker that flash photography was not allowed, although that didnt really stop anyone as there was no one there enforcing it. america cruise south Once we entered the arrivals hall, our driver was waiting for us to take us to our hotel in Rome. This was the day I had been looking forward to the most on the cruise as Egypt had been at the top of my places to visit wish list for a long time. They had a portable ramp that they used to get me in at the back, and although it was fairly steep, getting in and out of the van went quite smoothly with their assistance. The van was complete with a hydraulic lift and tie-downs, so we got in and began the journey south for the day. The rooms were very busy, but definitely worth the visit. and seats 25,000 people. The truth is that no matter how much money you give them, they are always going to ask for more, and they are quite persistent. Price is per passenger based on double occupancy and does not include International airfare; additional fees/charges are not included. It can be seen from afar, so if you have already visited the major attractions in Athens and are just looking for a day out that involves a nice coastal drive and viewing an ancient temple from afar, its not a bad trip. Six cruise lines offer options. April 24, 2022: 15-day cruise from New York to Rome (Italy) on Norwegian Cruise Line.
Upon arrival, we handed our checked luggage over to Royal Caribbean baggage handlers and proceeded to board the Legend of the Seas. In fact, there are very few paved streets that I saw, and those streets were typically heavily trafficked streets. It was clearly the most popular stop for most people on the ship as we later heard that the ship was virtually empty during the day while most passengers were off doing shore excursions in Alexandria and Cairo. I was surprised that other past passengers had not pointed out the issue sooner, but perhaps there was a ramp there at one time and it somehow got misplaced, or maybe they just didnt think that a quick fix was possible. We had one hour at the end of the tour to spend walking around the Old Town shopping for souvenirs and grabbing a bite to eat. Theres always room to roam with extra space between you and other travelerswhile still getting up close and personal to the experiences youve been dreaming of. Prior to going for lunch, we made one more quick stop this one at the ruins of the Temple of Artemis. The men were quite happy to help them onto the camels, walk them around a little, and take pictures of them with a pyramid in the background. Fortunately, we were able to bypass the long line and go right through to the front. Once in Amalfi, we had about an hour to walk around town and grab some lunch at one of the many sidewalk cafs.
Taxes, fees and port expenses not included. Watch the street performers as you stroll along LasRamblaor stop to smell the flowers atGaudi'sfamedParcGell. Experience a world beyond your expectations. April 23, 2023: 14-night cruise from Fort Lauderdale (Florida) to Rome (Italy) on Celebrity Cruises.
With so many impressive sights to see and such good access at so many ports, this was one cruise itinerary that I would recommend to any wheelchair user.
Thanks to limited days at sea, if any at all, you get to hit up a different port of call each day of your cruise vacation. There arent many cruise itineraries that allow you to visit 3 ancient marvels like the Colosseum in Rome, the Parthenon in Athens, and the Pyramids at Giza all in one cruise, which is why I was excited to embark on Royal Caribbeans 12-Night Greece and Eastern Mediterranean cruise on the Legend of the Seas in June, 2009. Unfortunately, wheelchair users cant really test this legend out because there are steps leading down to the fountain.
Then it was time to head back to the ship to make sure we arrived in time. There were appetizers as well, although they recommended not eating the greens due to the different types of bacteria which we wouldnt be used to. However, I was shocked to discover that there was a 3-inch lip that I had to wheel over to go out onto the balcony.
Upon leaving the port, we drove a few minutes to pick up another person that works for the tour company, and then we were off on the long drive to Cairo.
The area consisted of a fine sand, so it was a little difficult to wheel around in certain areas. One thing that really surprised me was the lack of Vatican security guards telling people not to take pictures. April 18, 2022: 13-day cruise from Fort Lauderdale (Florida) to Rome (Italy) on Holland America Line.
To find out more, please.
Upon leaving the Old Fortress, we made the long walk back to the port. A Small-Group Discovery is limited to an average of just 24 guests per departure. For a port in which I had no idea of what to expect, it really turned out to be one of the highlights of our cruise. Upon arrival back in Athens, we spent some time driving past some of the major landmarks in the city, including the stadium where the first modern Olympics were held in 1896, the Greek Parliament building with the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier out front, and the remains of the Temple of Olympian Zeus. As soon as one of the staff members saw me though, he pulled me out of the line and escorted me through an empty aisle to the very front of the line to get tickets. This was the only port on our cruise itinerary that required tendering. This time there was a different security guard standing at the gate, and as soon as we went up to him, he motioned for us to keep walking to the main entrance to the terminal. I told him that I could not walk at all. RELATED CRUISES: 7-Day Mediterranean Cruise to Greek Isles 10-Day Mediterranean Cruise from Venice7-Day Mediterranean Cruise from Barcelona.
Next, we headed back to the city to tour medieval Rhodes. Small-Group Discoveries include all the features of a traditional Cosmos escorted tour, complete with expert Tour Director, Driver, and Local Guides who ensure that your health and safety is our top priority. The Vatican was about a 20 or 30-minute walk north, and the Forum and the Colosseum were about a 45-minute walk the other way. Like St. Peters Basilica, the Vatican Grottoes were very accessible. The other thing that made this cruise itinerary ideal was the availability of wheelchair accessible sightseeing tours at many of the ports.
I used to think that driving couldnt get any crazier than it is in Rome. This is where we met up with our private guide, who spent the day with us in Cairo.
I would love to know how many people give 50 euros for a 5-minute camel ride! Youd rather have an extra day exploring than a fancy chocolate on your pillow at night. While it did have a hydraulic lift, it did not have a raised roof or a lowered floor, so the height from the floor to the ceiling was only 48 inches.
After the Papyrus Institute, we had lunch at a local Egyptian restaurant.
When you book with one of our partners, please be sure to check their site for a full disclosure of all applicable fees as required by the U.S. Department of Transportation. Discover the Beauty of Southern Italy & Greece. In Venice, take a boat ride to St. Marks Square and watch glassblowers create works of art as they have done for centuriesor discover the lagoon at your own pace. Visit Royal Naval Dockyard (Bermuda), Ponta Delgada (Azores), Funchal (Madeira), Malaga (Spain) and Marseille (France). While I was a little nervous about it, I definitely liked the idea of being able to go down to the Chapel in my own electric wheelchair rather than having to transfer into a manual wheelchair, so I got on the lift. Much like my experience at the entrance to our hotel in Rome, it was not a huge deal for my friend to lift me over the bump (although it wasnt easy), but it was quite annoying to not be able to go in and out onto the balcony freely.
mediterana marea croaziera neagra calatorescu March 22, 2023: 16-day cruise from Miami (Florida) to Rome (Italy) on Oceania. After lunch, we were treated to a lengthy demonstration on how they make Turkish carpets.
*Terms & Conditions Package not available on sailings less than 5 days or charter sailings. I guess it just wasnt my day. What's more, Norwegian's Mediterranean cruises depart from seven convenient locations across Europe, including Venice and Rome in Italy; Copenhagen, Denmark; Dubai, United Arab Emirates; London (Southampton), England; Barcelona, and Athens.
Given that the Acropolis is the highlight of a trip to Greece for most people, it is a little surprising that they dont have a technician on duty at all times while the Acropolis is open.
So, what are you waiting for? Visit Funchal (Madeira), Malaga (Spain), Cartagena (Spain) and Florence (Italy). At the front of the store, a man gave us a neat demonstration on how papyrus is made. Fortunately, Royal Caribbean is one of the few cruise lines that have wheelchair accessible tenders. The only really bad road was the Street of Knights, which ran from the Palace of the Grand Master to the market area inside the front gate near the port. So, if you are planning a trip to Egypt and the Egyptian Museum is at the top of your list of things to see, you might want to wait until 2012 when youll be able to take in all of the highlights of the museum. The most popular line we heard was please, its for the camel, its for the camel. As my friend got out his wallet, they would say things like, its up to you, some people give 20 euros, some people give 50 euros . Our driver felt awful and made numerous phone calls trying to get someone to come out including a phone call to the Greek Ministry of Tourism, but the timing was just bad. Take a gondola ride in Venice; walk in the footsteps of gladiators at the iconic Colosseum in Rome, or get your taste-buds tingling with a savory slice of pizza in Naples. You certainly dont see that in North America. thetravelbunny discovering travelbycruiseship
There were a few main doors leading into the Basilica, one of which was ramped for wheelchair access. Some tours require intra-vacation flights (and in some cases intra-vacation segments must be purchased from Cosmos). So, we just went over to an area where I could see the ruins from afar, and then he spent 15 or 20 minutes telling us as much as he could about the site from there.
The Vatican Museums were very accessible. cruises Global Journeys Pty Ltd. Enjoy a host of spectacular landscapes on your Mediterranean cruise. Sign up for emails to stay up to date on all the latest cruise news, itineraries, ships, and offers. The day was definitely not off to a good start. Our day in Athens was easily the most disappointing day of the whole cruise (the only disappointing day actually). Next, we were off to the Papyrus Institute, where we had some free time to walk around inside. Spend the last few days of your affordable tour of Italy and Greece in sheer relaxation aboard your cruise ship for a 3-night cruise to some of the worlds most beautiful islands. While Marcus Agrippa originally intended the Pantheon to be a temple to all the gods of Ancient Rome, it has been used for a number of different things over the centuries, including as a church, which is what is still used for today.
There was only one issue with the van.
Youll see Mykonos, with its seafront village, sandy beaches, and whitewashed houses; Heraklion, Crete, nestled picturesquely between two mountain ranges; Santorini (weather permitting), with one of the world's most breathtaking panoramas; Patmos, where St. John the Divine wrote the Book of Revelation; and Kusadasi, Turkey, where youll enjoy an included visit of the Ephesus archaeological site. This is a good example of how it pays to speak up and say something right away rather than just making do with the inconvenience.
This entrance is located on the side of a hill, but they have installed a wheelchair lift to take wheelchair users down to the Forum. The next morning, we checked out of our hotel and were picked up at 12 noon for the ride to the port. I would not recommend it for someone who is visiting Athens for the first time though.
There is an admission fee to enter the Old Fortress, although we got in for free as there is no charge for a person with a disability and one companion. Even the Vatican and the Colosseum were within walking distance. sardinia corsica sicily islands balearic map travel italy indicative Unlike my first trip to the Acropolis in 2006, this time our driver drove us right up the pathway to the entrance, which regular vehicles are not allowed to do.
When we arrived at the security checkpoint inside the terminal building, one of the security guards saw me and immediately escorted us back out to where we came in and around the side of the building to an outside gated entrance, where he let us out into the main parking lot. Then we noticed a problem.
Once inside, we took a walk through the courtyard and went into one of the buildings, which is now home to a museum.
One thing should be pointed out for wheelchair users who plan to tour Rome by wheelchair, though. 2022 Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. 11-Reasons to Cruise to Alaska this Summer | NCL Travel Blog, 14-Day Authentic Alaska - Northbound Cruisetour | Norwegian Cruise Line, 14-Day Authentic Alaska - Southbound Cruisetour | Deck Plans | Norwegian Cruise Line, 20-Day Transpacific from Tokyo (Yokohama) & Alaska | Norwegian Cruise Line, 11 Reasons to Cruise to Alaska this Summer | NCL Travel Blog, 2022 Mediterranean Cruises: Sail to Italy, Spain & Greece, Norwegian's Mediterranean cruise itineraries, 7-Day Mediterranean Cruise to Greek Isles, 7-Day Mediterranean Cruise from Barcelona, 7 Things to Do in Santorini on a Cruise to Greece, Health & Safety On Board: New Sanitizing Technology on Norwegians Ships, Greek Isles Cruises: 10 Things to Do in Mykonos, Simple Phrases to Memorize for Your Europe Cruise Vacation, 7-Day Mediterranean Round-trip Rome: Italy, France & Spain, 10-Day Mediterranean from Venice to Barcelona: Italy, France & Greece, 19-Day Mediterranean from Athens to Dubai: Turkey, Egypt, Jordan & Israel, CA Residents Only: Do Not Sell My Personal Information, Abu Dhabi andFujairah, United Arab Emirates. Since there was no accessible transportation available in Mykonos, we just walked around town for a couple hours. My friends certainly couldnt pass that up! It wasnt much, but then again I wasnt expecting to see any of Pompeii at all, so seeing something was definitely better than nothing. transatlantic ncl cruceros navieras comprometidas We also visited some ancient ruins in Ephesus and Rhodes and explored the Greek islands of Mykonos and Corfu on foot.
Do you dream about walking through the picturesque, winding streets of Santorini, Greece? Having made its maiden voyage back in 1995, the Legend is one of Royal Caribbeans older ships. Next, we were off to visit the ruins of ancient Ephesus, starting with the Great Theatre of Ephesus, which was first constructed in the 3rd century B.C.
This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. On my first visit to the Sistine Chapel in 2003, they were extremely strict about people not taking pictures inside the Chapel, and any flashbulb that went off was immediately met by a security guard shouting that no pictures were allowed. While the transfers were a little pricey, they were definitely convenient and our driver was great. April 23, 2022: 14-night cruise from Fort Lauderdale (Florida) to Rome (Italy) on Royal Caribbean.
Next, we made our way back down the hill and continued on through a busy Piazza Venezia (Venice Square), which is highlighted by a huge monument to Vittorio Emanuele II the first king of a unified Italy. It was definitely an impressive sight to gaze up at these pyramids that have been standing for over 4000 years! Of course, it wasnt long that we were out of the vehicle before we were approached by some more men looking to make a little money. Visit Great Stirrup Cay (Bahamas), Royal Naval Dockyard (Bermuda), Ponta Delgada (Azores), Funchal (Madeira), Malaga (Spain), Monte Carlo (Monaco) and Florence (Italy). I still managed to get fairly close though, although you cant go right up to the Sphinx. athens mykonos crete March 25, 2022: 16-night cruise from Miami (Florida) to Rome (Italy) on Regent Seven Seas.
The practice was popularized during ancient Egyptian times due to the abundance of papyrus plants in the region. The places we looked forward to the most, though, were a visit to the Acropolis in Athens and a drive into Cairo to see the world-famous Pyramids at Giza.
There was a large section of chairs set up in St. Peters Square in preparation for the Papal Audience the following day, which the Pope does every Wednesday except during the summer months. To enter the Basilica, there was an elevator on the right side that took us up to the main entrance. mediterranean cruises trip round states united liverpool mary queen So, our plan was to start off by getting a ride to the Colosseum first thing in the morning, and from there to spend a couple of hours touring the Colosseum before using the rest of the day to walk back to the hotel, all the while stopping to take in various points of interest along the way.
Although he was a minor pharaoh in the grand scheme of history, he is famous largely because when his tomb was discovered in the Valley of the Kings in 1922, it was the most intact tomb to ever be discovered in modern times. turkey greece tour Rates are in USD and valid for US and Canadian residents only.
So, rather than sitting hunched over inside the vehicle for a few hours, I decided to just bring my manual wheelchair from home and sit in that for the tour instead. Fortunately, the museum will be moving into a brand-new facility in 2012 which will be completely wheelchair accessible. However, when I was last at the Vatican Museums in 2003, they did want some sort of identification proving my disability (as if the wheelchair wasnt enough), so this time I got smart and brought my disabled parking placard along just in case. *prices per person, based on double occupancy for 5 September 2022 departure. Choose the perfect place to begin your vacation and gain access to loads of historic sites, natural wonders, and breathtaking villages before you even embark on your cruise. It is here where bishops gather upon the death of a pope to elect a new pope, although the Chapel is more famous for being the place where Michelangelo painted the ceiling between 1508 and 1512. We had a choice between fish or chicken, so I opted for the chicken with potatoes and rice. The cobblestones are generally not so rough that they can not be navigated by wheelchairs, but they are consistently bumpy enough that those who have a real problem with wheeling on cobblestone will want to consider booking transfers with accessible vehicles rather than trying to wheel it on their own. We were met at the port by a driver, a private guide, and a wheelchair accessible van. We were given free time to walk around inside, where they sold a whole host of different merchandise. I was a little nervous when I saw that everyone actually had to walk down several steps to get to the opening in the ship where they were loading people onto the tenders, but then one of the crew members directed me over to a small service elevator which took me down several feet to the bottom of the steps.
Of course, the highlight of the Vatican Museums is the Sistine Chapel. Of course, no cruise itinerary would be considered accessible without the ship itself having a great level of access, and although the Legend of the Seas is one of Royal Caribbeans older ships, accessibility on board was very good overall. Visit an ancient fortress in Malaga.
Paul wanted to come to the theater to talk to the men, but he was advised against it by the disciples and other city officials for his own safety (Acts 19:23-41).
After only our second day at sea, we arrived in Alexandria, Egypt. Once inside, the main hall and the walkways around the upper and lower levels are completely paved. Then we met up with our driver again and continued on down the coast to the town of Amalfi. Barcelona is just one of many vibrant ports you can visit on Norwegian's 2022 Mediterranean cruises.
There are plenty of notable things to see along the way though, including the Pantheon, the Trevi Fountain, Piazza Venezia, the Capitoline Hill, and the Forum. Altogether, the ship made stops at 7 ports in 4 countries. seabourn september october cruise odyssey august july cruises greece italy athens voyage days venice itinerary map deluxecruises
He wasnt unique though thats the way everyone drove. The only slight problem with the hotel that we found at the beginning was a little 3 or 4-inch lip at the main entrance to the hotel.
I have visited Athens twice now each time for a day tour, and each time I left feeling like there was a lot of the city that I missed out on.
We began our second full day of sightseeing in Rome at the Colosseum. So, I made sure to tell the guide right away so that he could plan the days schedule accordingly. I e-mailed the Vatican a couple of weeks prior to the trip to inquire about the lift situation, and they said that it would not be a problem to transfer into one of their manual wheelchairs. We arranged several transfers through a company that has wheelchair accessible vehicles. Second, the Acropolis should be visited first thing in the morning. Once inside the Forum, I managed to wheel around a little bit, although the pathways were sporadic in terms of accessibility. The elevator in the hotel was plenty long enough to accommodate me, which is often not the case with many elevators in Europe. It was very accessible as the bathroom had a roll-in shower and there was plenty of space to maneuver around in the room.
They arent really sure what happened in my case, although they did intend to investigate to ensure it doesnt happen to other guests.
The house serves as a chapel now, and people can file through to see the inside of the house.
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It wasnt until about 10 minutes later that we heard an announcement over a loudspeaker that flash photography was not allowed, although that didnt really stop anyone as there was no one there enforcing it. america cruise south Once we entered the arrivals hall, our driver was waiting for us to take us to our hotel in Rome. This was the day I had been looking forward to the most on the cruise as Egypt had been at the top of my places to visit wish list for a long time. They had a portable ramp that they used to get me in at the back, and although it was fairly steep, getting in and out of the van went quite smoothly with their assistance. The van was complete with a hydraulic lift and tie-downs, so we got in and began the journey south for the day. The rooms were very busy, but definitely worth the visit. and seats 25,000 people. The truth is that no matter how much money you give them, they are always going to ask for more, and they are quite persistent. Price is per passenger based on double occupancy and does not include International airfare; additional fees/charges are not included. It can be seen from afar, so if you have already visited the major attractions in Athens and are just looking for a day out that involves a nice coastal drive and viewing an ancient temple from afar, its not a bad trip. Six cruise lines offer options. April 24, 2022: 15-day cruise from New York to Rome (Italy) on Norwegian Cruise Line.
Upon arrival, we handed our checked luggage over to Royal Caribbean baggage handlers and proceeded to board the Legend of the Seas. In fact, there are very few paved streets that I saw, and those streets were typically heavily trafficked streets. It was clearly the most popular stop for most people on the ship as we later heard that the ship was virtually empty during the day while most passengers were off doing shore excursions in Alexandria and Cairo. I was surprised that other past passengers had not pointed out the issue sooner, but perhaps there was a ramp there at one time and it somehow got misplaced, or maybe they just didnt think that a quick fix was possible. We had one hour at the end of the tour to spend walking around the Old Town shopping for souvenirs and grabbing a bite to eat. Theres always room to roam with extra space between you and other travelerswhile still getting up close and personal to the experiences youve been dreaming of. Prior to going for lunch, we made one more quick stop this one at the ruins of the Temple of Artemis. The men were quite happy to help them onto the camels, walk them around a little, and take pictures of them with a pyramid in the background. Fortunately, we were able to bypass the long line and go right through to the front. Once in Amalfi, we had about an hour to walk around town and grab some lunch at one of the many sidewalk cafs. 
Taxes, fees and port expenses not included. Watch the street performers as you stroll along LasRamblaor stop to smell the flowers atGaudi'sfamedParcGell. Experience a world beyond your expectations. April 23, 2023: 14-night cruise from Fort Lauderdale (Florida) to Rome (Italy) on Celebrity Cruises.
With so many impressive sights to see and such good access at so many ports, this was one cruise itinerary that I would recommend to any wheelchair user.
Thanks to limited days at sea, if any at all, you get to hit up a different port of call each day of your cruise vacation. There arent many cruise itineraries that allow you to visit 3 ancient marvels like the Colosseum in Rome, the Parthenon in Athens, and the Pyramids at Giza all in one cruise, which is why I was excited to embark on Royal Caribbeans 12-Night Greece and Eastern Mediterranean cruise on the Legend of the Seas in June, 2009. Unfortunately, wheelchair users cant really test this legend out because there are steps leading down to the fountain.
Then it was time to head back to the ship to make sure we arrived in time. There were appetizers as well, although they recommended not eating the greens due to the different types of bacteria which we wouldnt be used to. However, I was shocked to discover that there was a 3-inch lip that I had to wheel over to go out onto the balcony.
Upon leaving the port, we drove a few minutes to pick up another person that works for the tour company, and then we were off on the long drive to Cairo.
The area consisted of a fine sand, so it was a little difficult to wheel around in certain areas. One thing that really surprised me was the lack of Vatican security guards telling people not to take pictures. April 18, 2022: 13-day cruise from Fort Lauderdale (Florida) to Rome (Italy) on Holland America Line.
To find out more, please.
Upon leaving the Old Fortress, we made the long walk back to the port. A Small-Group Discovery is limited to an average of just 24 guests per departure. For a port in which I had no idea of what to expect, it really turned out to be one of the highlights of our cruise. Upon arrival back in Athens, we spent some time driving past some of the major landmarks in the city, including the stadium where the first modern Olympics were held in 1896, the Greek Parliament building with the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier out front, and the remains of the Temple of Olympian Zeus. As soon as one of the staff members saw me though, he pulled me out of the line and escorted me through an empty aisle to the very front of the line to get tickets. This was the only port on our cruise itinerary that required tendering. This time there was a different security guard standing at the gate, and as soon as we went up to him, he motioned for us to keep walking to the main entrance to the terminal. I told him that I could not walk at all. RELATED CRUISES: 7-Day Mediterranean Cruise to Greek Isles 10-Day Mediterranean Cruise from Venice7-Day Mediterranean Cruise from Barcelona.
Next, we headed back to the city to tour medieval Rhodes. Small-Group Discoveries include all the features of a traditional Cosmos escorted tour, complete with expert Tour Director, Driver, and Local Guides who ensure that your health and safety is our top priority. The Vatican was about a 20 or 30-minute walk north, and the Forum and the Colosseum were about a 45-minute walk the other way. Like St. Peters Basilica, the Vatican Grottoes were very accessible. The other thing that made this cruise itinerary ideal was the availability of wheelchair accessible sightseeing tours at many of the ports.
I used to think that driving couldnt get any crazier than it is in Rome. This is where we met up with our private guide, who spent the day with us in Cairo.
I would love to know how many people give 50 euros for a 5-minute camel ride! Youd rather have an extra day exploring than a fancy chocolate on your pillow at night. While it did have a hydraulic lift, it did not have a raised roof or a lowered floor, so the height from the floor to the ceiling was only 48 inches.
After the Papyrus Institute, we had lunch at a local Egyptian restaurant.
When you book with one of our partners, please be sure to check their site for a full disclosure of all applicable fees as required by the U.S. Department of Transportation. Discover the Beauty of Southern Italy & Greece. In Venice, take a boat ride to St. Marks Square and watch glassblowers create works of art as they have done for centuriesor discover the lagoon at your own pace. Visit Royal Naval Dockyard (Bermuda), Ponta Delgada (Azores), Funchal (Madeira), Malaga (Spain) and Marseille (France). While I was a little nervous about it, I definitely liked the idea of being able to go down to the Chapel in my own electric wheelchair rather than having to transfer into a manual wheelchair, so I got on the lift. Much like my experience at the entrance to our hotel in Rome, it was not a huge deal for my friend to lift me over the bump (although it wasnt easy), but it was quite annoying to not be able to go in and out onto the balcony freely.
mediterana marea croaziera neagra calatorescu March 22, 2023: 16-day cruise from Miami (Florida) to Rome (Italy) on Oceania. After lunch, we were treated to a lengthy demonstration on how they make Turkish carpets. 
*Terms & Conditions Package not available on sailings less than 5 days or charter sailings. I guess it just wasnt my day. What's more, Norwegian's Mediterranean cruises depart from seven convenient locations across Europe, including Venice and Rome in Italy; Copenhagen, Denmark; Dubai, United Arab Emirates; London (Southampton), England; Barcelona, and Athens.
Given that the Acropolis is the highlight of a trip to Greece for most people, it is a little surprising that they dont have a technician on duty at all times while the Acropolis is open.
So, what are you waiting for? Visit Funchal (Madeira), Malaga (Spain), Cartagena (Spain) and Florence (Italy). At the front of the store, a man gave us a neat demonstration on how papyrus is made. Fortunately, Royal Caribbean is one of the few cruise lines that have wheelchair accessible tenders. The only really bad road was the Street of Knights, which ran from the Palace of the Grand Master to the market area inside the front gate near the port. So, if you are planning a trip to Egypt and the Egyptian Museum is at the top of your list of things to see, you might want to wait until 2012 when youll be able to take in all of the highlights of the museum. The most popular line we heard was please, its for the camel, its for the camel. As my friend got out his wallet, they would say things like, its up to you, some people give 20 euros, some people give 50 euros . Our driver felt awful and made numerous phone calls trying to get someone to come out including a phone call to the Greek Ministry of Tourism, but the timing was just bad. Take a gondola ride in Venice; walk in the footsteps of gladiators at the iconic Colosseum in Rome, or get your taste-buds tingling with a savory slice of pizza in Naples. You certainly dont see that in North America. thetravelbunny discovering travelbycruiseship
There were a few main doors leading into the Basilica, one of which was ramped for wheelchair access. Some tours require intra-vacation flights (and in some cases intra-vacation segments must be purchased from Cosmos). So, we just went over to an area where I could see the ruins from afar, and then he spent 15 or 20 minutes telling us as much as he could about the site from there.
The Vatican Museums were very accessible. cruises Global Journeys Pty Ltd. Enjoy a host of spectacular landscapes on your Mediterranean cruise. Sign up for emails to stay up to date on all the latest cruise news, itineraries, ships, and offers. The day was definitely not off to a good start. Our day in Athens was easily the most disappointing day of the whole cruise (the only disappointing day actually). Next, we were off to the Papyrus Institute, where we had some free time to walk around inside. Spend the last few days of your affordable tour of Italy and Greece in sheer relaxation aboard your cruise ship for a 3-night cruise to some of the worlds most beautiful islands. While Marcus Agrippa originally intended the Pantheon to be a temple to all the gods of Ancient Rome, it has been used for a number of different things over the centuries, including as a church, which is what is still used for today.
There was only one issue with the van.
Youll see Mykonos, with its seafront village, sandy beaches, and whitewashed houses; Heraklion, Crete, nestled picturesquely between two mountain ranges; Santorini (weather permitting), with one of the world's most breathtaking panoramas; Patmos, where St. John the Divine wrote the Book of Revelation; and Kusadasi, Turkey, where youll enjoy an included visit of the Ephesus archaeological site. This is a good example of how it pays to speak up and say something right away rather than just making do with the inconvenience. This entrance is located on the side of a hill, but they have installed a wheelchair lift to take wheelchair users down to the Forum. The next morning, we checked out of our hotel and were picked up at 12 noon for the ride to the port. I would not recommend it for someone who is visiting Athens for the first time though.
There is an admission fee to enter the Old Fortress, although we got in for free as there is no charge for a person with a disability and one companion. Even the Vatican and the Colosseum were within walking distance. sardinia corsica sicily islands balearic map travel italy indicative Unlike my first trip to the Acropolis in 2006, this time our driver drove us right up the pathway to the entrance, which regular vehicles are not allowed to do.
When we arrived at the security checkpoint inside the terminal building, one of the security guards saw me and immediately escorted us back out to where we came in and around the side of the building to an outside gated entrance, where he let us out into the main parking lot. Then we noticed a problem.
Once inside, we took a walk through the courtyard and went into one of the buildings, which is now home to a museum.
One thing should be pointed out for wheelchair users who plan to tour Rome by wheelchair, though. 2022 Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. 11-Reasons to Cruise to Alaska this Summer | NCL Travel Blog, 14-Day Authentic Alaska - Northbound Cruisetour | Norwegian Cruise Line, 14-Day Authentic Alaska - Southbound Cruisetour | Deck Plans | Norwegian Cruise Line, 20-Day Transpacific from Tokyo (Yokohama) & Alaska | Norwegian Cruise Line, 11 Reasons to Cruise to Alaska this Summer | NCL Travel Blog, 2022 Mediterranean Cruises: Sail to Italy, Spain & Greece, Norwegian's Mediterranean cruise itineraries, 7-Day Mediterranean Cruise to Greek Isles, 7-Day Mediterranean Cruise from Barcelona, 7 Things to Do in Santorini on a Cruise to Greece, Health & Safety On Board: New Sanitizing Technology on Norwegians Ships, Greek Isles Cruises: 10 Things to Do in Mykonos, Simple Phrases to Memorize for Your Europe Cruise Vacation, 7-Day Mediterranean Round-trip Rome: Italy, France & Spain, 10-Day Mediterranean from Venice to Barcelona: Italy, France & Greece, 19-Day Mediterranean from Athens to Dubai: Turkey, Egypt, Jordan & Israel, CA Residents Only: Do Not Sell My Personal Information, Abu Dhabi andFujairah, United Arab Emirates. Since there was no accessible transportation available in Mykonos, we just walked around town for a couple hours. My friends certainly couldnt pass that up! It wasnt much, but then again I wasnt expecting to see any of Pompeii at all, so seeing something was definitely better than nothing. transatlantic ncl cruceros navieras comprometidas We also visited some ancient ruins in Ephesus and Rhodes and explored the Greek islands of Mykonos and Corfu on foot.
Do you dream about walking through the picturesque, winding streets of Santorini, Greece? Having made its maiden voyage back in 1995, the Legend is one of Royal Caribbeans older ships. Next, we were off to visit the ruins of ancient Ephesus, starting with the Great Theatre of Ephesus, which was first constructed in the 3rd century B.C.
This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. On my first visit to the Sistine Chapel in 2003, they were extremely strict about people not taking pictures inside the Chapel, and any flashbulb that went off was immediately met by a security guard shouting that no pictures were allowed. While the transfers were a little pricey, they were definitely convenient and our driver was great. April 23, 2022: 14-night cruise from Fort Lauderdale (Florida) to Rome (Italy) on Royal Caribbean.
Next, we made our way back down the hill and continued on through a busy Piazza Venezia (Venice Square), which is highlighted by a huge monument to Vittorio Emanuele II the first king of a unified Italy. It was definitely an impressive sight to gaze up at these pyramids that have been standing for over 4000 years! Of course, it wasnt long that we were out of the vehicle before we were approached by some more men looking to make a little money. Visit Great Stirrup Cay (Bahamas), Royal Naval Dockyard (Bermuda), Ponta Delgada (Azores), Funchal (Madeira), Malaga (Spain), Monte Carlo (Monaco) and Florence (Italy). I still managed to get fairly close though, although you cant go right up to the Sphinx. athens mykonos crete March 25, 2022: 16-night cruise from Miami (Florida) to Rome (Italy) on Regent Seven Seas.
The practice was popularized during ancient Egyptian times due to the abundance of papyrus plants in the region. The places we looked forward to the most, though, were a visit to the Acropolis in Athens and a drive into Cairo to see the world-famous Pyramids at Giza.
There was a large section of chairs set up in St. Peters Square in preparation for the Papal Audience the following day, which the Pope does every Wednesday except during the summer months. To enter the Basilica, there was an elevator on the right side that took us up to the main entrance. mediterranean cruises trip round states united liverpool mary queen So, our plan was to start off by getting a ride to the Colosseum first thing in the morning, and from there to spend a couple of hours touring the Colosseum before using the rest of the day to walk back to the hotel, all the while stopping to take in various points of interest along the way.
Although he was a minor pharaoh in the grand scheme of history, he is famous largely because when his tomb was discovered in the Valley of the Kings in 1922, it was the most intact tomb to ever be discovered in modern times. turkey greece tour Rates are in USD and valid for US and Canadian residents only.
So, rather than sitting hunched over inside the vehicle for a few hours, I decided to just bring my manual wheelchair from home and sit in that for the tour instead. Fortunately, the museum will be moving into a brand-new facility in 2012 which will be completely wheelchair accessible. However, when I was last at the Vatican Museums in 2003, they did want some sort of identification proving my disability (as if the wheelchair wasnt enough), so this time I got smart and brought my disabled parking placard along just in case. *prices per person, based on double occupancy for 5 September 2022 departure. Choose the perfect place to begin your vacation and gain access to loads of historic sites, natural wonders, and breathtaking villages before you even embark on your cruise. It is here where bishops gather upon the death of a pope to elect a new pope, although the Chapel is more famous for being the place where Michelangelo painted the ceiling between 1508 and 1512. We had a choice between fish or chicken, so I opted for the chicken with potatoes and rice. The cobblestones are generally not so rough that they can not be navigated by wheelchairs, but they are consistently bumpy enough that those who have a real problem with wheeling on cobblestone will want to consider booking transfers with accessible vehicles rather than trying to wheel it on their own. We were met at the port by a driver, a private guide, and a wheelchair accessible van. We were given free time to walk around inside, where they sold a whole host of different merchandise. I was a little nervous when I saw that everyone actually had to walk down several steps to get to the opening in the ship where they were loading people onto the tenders, but then one of the crew members directed me over to a small service elevator which took me down several feet to the bottom of the steps.