Cruise Italy, France, Spain & Croatia – November 15-25, 2012
The Mediterranean is full of gems. Come and explore them with hosts Larry & Cheryl Stamps during November 2012. What a better way to spend Thanksgiving than in Pisa, Italy! This tour highlights some of the most beautiful places in the Med: Italy (Venice, Naples, Rome, & Florence), Croatia, France, and Spain! Royal Caribbean will be your floating hotel during the duration of this grand sea voyage.
Itinerary:
November 15 - Depart from your home to start your grand adventure and cruise of the Mediterranean Sea.
November 16 – Arrive in Venice and transfer to the hotel. Sit back and relax during free time this afternoon and get rested up for the trip of your lifetime!
November 17 – Venice, Italy – Begin with touring the “Floating City” of canals, gondolas and beauty. View St. Mark’s Square with its Basilica, the Doge’s Palace, the Bridge of Sighs and the Grand Canal. There are overwhelming views at every corner. In the afternoon board the Royal Caribbean “Splendor of the Sea” and set sail with a view of Venice at night. (Cruise Dinner)
November 18 – Split, Croatia - Explore this beautiful gem on the Adriatic Sea, famous for the grand Palace of the Roman Emperor Diocletian and the Ruins of the Temple of Jupiter and Mausoleum. (Cruise meals)
November 19 - Enjoy a relaxing day at sea. (Cruise Meals)
November 20 - Naples, Italy - Today you will visit the ruins of Pompeii which was destroyed and completely buried by an eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79. Stroll the streets and enter the homes of this great city which was destroyed. (Cruise Meals)
November 21 – Rome, Italy - Start your day remembering the grandeur of the Roman Empire with a visit to the Colosseum. View the Roman Forum, with its Arch of Titus, site of the seat of government from 752 BC to 500 AD. After lunch tour the Vatican City with St. Peter’s Basilica and Sistine Chapel. (Cruise Meals)
November 22 – Florence and Pisa, Italy- Your tour begins with a stop at the Piazza del Duomo to visit the Leaning Tower and Cathedral of Pisa. Next off to the city of Michelangelo, Galileo, Ghiberti and Machiavelli, Florence. See the famous statue of David at the Academia Gallery. The Uffizi Gallery is a must to see the works of art by the masters, Giotto, Botticelli, Raphael, Ruben, Michelangelo, and Da Vinci. (Cruise meals)
November 23 – Toulon, France - Soak in the French lifestyle as you roam the lovely streets of Toulon. Perhaps your visit will include a stop at St Louis Church, the Musee de la Ville, or a cable car ride to the panoramic views from Mont Faron. Whatever way you choose, you will fall in love with France at this beautiful port. (Cruise meals)
November 24- Barcelona, Spain - Say goodbye to your cruise ship as you dock at the beautiful city of Barcelona, Spain. Today you will have a full day to explore this, the largest city on the Mediterranean coast. The Monumento a Colon, a monument to Columbus, starts your visit in this Spanish city on the beach. A visit to the La Sagrada Familia, Cathedral of Architecture wonder is a must to see. And of course shopping and dining along the famous Las Ramblas is a must. You will overnight in Barcelona preparing for you morning flight home. (Cruise Breakfast)
November 25 - Fly home with some incredible memories and experiences!
*We will have our own private group shore excursions that will be available. You are free to explore on your own during the days at port or join our group shore excursions.
Your Ship: Royal Caribbean Splendour of the Seas
You’ll love the views on Splendour of the Seas, a worldly ship that shares time between the coastlines of Europe and South America. Take in the scenery through thousands of windows that immerse you in historic towns and incredible mountainside beaches. Have a dip in the sun-drenched indoor/outdoor pool at the Solarium, try your hand at mini golf and rock climbing, or be pampered at the Vitality Spa.
Your Host: Larry & Cheryl Stamps
Larry and Cheryl traveled to Brazil on their own in 2003 and then went on two group tours with Dick in 2005 and 2007. Since then they have hosted a number of trips for Dick Jensen & Alan McKay, including 3 transatlantic cruises. Larry lived in Brazil for two years from 1966-1968. With a love of Brazil, Larry has worked to keep his Portuguese active. After returning from Brazil, Larry married and served as a linguist in the Air Force for four years. He then received a Bachelor’s degree in Tourism and Travel Management, worked as a travel agent and in 2010 completed a 30 year career with Amtrak. Larry helped develop a visitor program and tours for the small, historic, central California town of “Hanford”. Cheryl worked in elementary education and raised their children. Larry and Cheryl recently moved across country from WV near DC back west to establish a nest in Reno, NV closer to their 3 children and 8 and counting grandchildren. But, loving to travel, they have been gone from their nests more than at home since retirement.
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Inside Cabin Cruise and Airfare from Most US Cities -Double Occupancy - $2594 (includes cruise and air for $1874 & taxes of $720)
Outside Cabin Cruise and Airfare from Most US Cities -Dbl Occupancy – additional $100
Balcony Cabin Cruise and Airfare Most US Cities -Dbl Occupancy – additional $400
Barcelona & Venice transfers, hotel, & sightseeing – INCLUDED
Group Shore Excursions – Prices coming soon
Credit Card Fee - $70
Deposit - $1400
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*Trip cancellation and emergency insurance available *Passports are required *Full payment due 90 days before departure. *Cancellation charges: non-refundable after deposit and final payment is made Click Here for Current Airline Baggage Fees Click Here For Terms and Conditions