Cathy and I enjoy a a few days in Italy before we venture out on our Eastern Meditteranean cruise. Most folks would head to Rome, however we have been to Rome, the Vatican, and the Roman ruins, and it is a long bus ride. So we decide to stay local and see the Etruscan ruins that are near by Civitavecchia, the port city for Rome and where our cruise departs.
Etruscan Ruins near Civitavechia
The Etruscans are a pre Roman civilization and their ruins are just around the corner. Cathy and I act confused enough by local transit that a kind man drives us up to the ruins. This place is off the beaten path. There are few visitors. Not sure why because this place is very impressive.
Then we have a nice meal overlooking the vineyards that now co-reside with the ruins. If you were wondering, we also needed help getting back to our hotel and a young lady who is just learning her English takes us under her wing.
Herculaneom and Vesuvious
The back end of our cruise brings us back to Italy in the Naples and Pompeii area. We visit the second city that was buried by the Vesuvius vocanic eruption. It is an unexpected marvel. More off the beaten path than Pompeii and to our eyes as good or better. Ercolano or Herculaneom was buried under way more ash than Pompeii and so there is amazing preservation. And there is not a massive number of tourists.
Cruising the Eastern Meditteranean around Italy, Greece and Turkey
Cathy and I join friends for a cruise around the Eastern Meditteranean, on a Celebrity ship. We start and end in Rome’s port city Civitavecchia. Then through the Greek Islands of Mykonos, Rhodes and Santorini. In Turkey we spend time in Istanbul and Ephesus. Next, stops in Athens, Greece and Naples, Italy, and back to Civitavecchia. During the 12 day trip, we have 2 sea days as well. We took ship sponsored excursions most days and with so many things to see, we were well worn out by days end.
Cathy and I spent time kicking around these areas when we were students and had not yet met. Those trips were done on the skinny. For this trip, we have a nice balcony cabin in concierge class. We play dress-up most nights, and challenge the bartenders to come up with a martini each night that matches the ladies dresses.
Read more about this trip in Cruise around Greece and Our visit to Turkey.