NOTES ON NAPLEs
Naples
You noted you would just like to explore on foot and not make any reservations for the day.SOME TIPS
The port where you will be docked is on the mainland in the city of Naples. It’s a large city with a major port so you may want to take a cab wherever you would like to go rather than walk from the port.
If you want to visit Capri you will have to take a boat to the island. Once on the island you can explore on foot for the most part.
Let me know if you want help with this day. I can create an itinerary and provide pricing for whatever you may want to book in advance (like the boat ride)
You are docked from 7AM - 6PM
Ship Excursions you selected
custom itineraries
Palma de mallorca
$104 per person, $1,456 for the fam
Experience the best of Palma de Mallorca, the capital of the Balearic Islands in Spain, with a comfortable, scenic city drive and outside visits to the city's major attractions, including Bellver Castle and the Cathedral of Santa Maria of Palma.
Entry into the castle and the Cathedral are not included in the ship excursion. They don’t allow time to enter either so it isn’t an option.
Ship's Excursion, 3 hoursPalma De Mallorca
Estimate without a guide: $950, $68 per person
Estimate with a guide: $1,180, $85 per person
Do everything on the ship’s excursion AND add a drive through the highlands to visit Valldemossa which I highly recommend. It’s gorgeous! You can take an audio guide tour through Palma, or your paid guide will provide the tour. Bellver Castle entry isn’t worth the time or money and people rarely try and go in. You would still see it in the same way you would through the ship excursion but I would consider skipping it altogether to spend time in more interesting places; like Palma and Valldemossa which is only 30 minutes away.
10AM: Pick up at the dock in Palma
10:00AM-12:30PM: Take the 30 minute drive to Valldemossa which climbs into the hills providing beautiful views of the valley. Self explore or walk with your guide through Valldemossa’s historic streets; you’ll see stone terraces, olive groves, and don’t miss the monastery the town was built around. Most of the town is strictly pedestrian so it’s safe and fun to stroll around in. You have an hour before you should meet the driver for the return drive to Palma.
12:30PM-1:00PM: Catedral-Basílica de Santa María de Mallorca has a gorgeous exterior. The guide can take you to the best stop for photos across the water.
1:00PM- 2:00PM: Lunch
Bocalto, this restaurant has small tapas plates and full lunch plates as well. It’s on a beautiful tree lined street where you can sit outside if the weather allows.
Restaurante Brutal, this is a trendy, popular place with a varied menu but with lots of fresh seafood options.
Kaizen, this sushi restaurant serves fresh local seafood.
Ca’n Joan de s’Aigo, a traditional cafe for sweet snacks. If you happen to pass by it and feel like something sweet it’s a great option
2:00PM-4:00PM Tour Palma with your guide , or with an audio guide if you choose not to reserve a guide. Either way you can’t miss visiting Plaça d'Espanya, Can Forteza Rey, Court Square, Iglesia de Santa Eulalia (built in 1236!), and if you like local outdoor markets you should visit Mercado del Olivar. Stroll along the main historical streets Carrer de Monti-Sion and Carrer de la Portella to see all the shops, ancient churches, and little cafes.
4PM: Board the ship
Minibus Self Guided, 6 hourssicily
Ship's Excursion, 4.5 hours$179 per person, $2,506 for the fam
In a small group, discover Sicily's fascinating ancient history in the promontory resort town of Taormina, and enjoy views of Mount Etna on a guided walking tour. Your guide leads you through ancient squares in the mountainside village, passing 15th century Palazzo Corvaia. Have the chance to explore the Public Garden, once a privately-owned oasis but part of the city since 1922. Then explore at your own pace for 45 minutes, shopping along Corso Umberto's promenade or tasting authentic Sicilian cuisine in a village cafe.
Sicily
Estimate without a guide: $1,250, $90 per person
Estimate with a guide: $1,610, $115 per person
Add price of 16 Euro per ticket to visit the theater in Taormina
You can visit all the stops on the ship’s excursion and add/subtract whatever you would like. The proposed itinerary is an example similar to what was reserved on the ship.
Different itineraries for this day could include Messina, Castelmola, Ganzirri, or Noto.
A ZTL fee would also need to be added if you wanted to enter the historical city center. It would be $500 or less though. Adding time will increase the price but would still probably come in less than the ship.
10:00AM-11:15AM: Pick up and transfer from the dock in Messina to Taormina.
11:15AM-12:00PM: Visit the Teatro Antico di Taormina. We’ll need to get tickets in advance.
12:00PM-1:30PM: Lunch
Restorante Badia or Osteria Villa Zucaro are both great options for lunch
1:30PM-3PM: Stroll along the Corso Umberto which is the main street through historic Taormina. It runs between Porta Messina and Porta Catania gates and it’s the cities hub for shops and restaurants. You’ll want to see the Public Gardens, the Roman Odeon and the Duomo with its basilica. All along the street you’ll see these sites mixed between the Baroque and medieval buildings.
3:00PM-4:00PM: Transfer back tot he ship
Minibus Self Guided, 6 hoursDining
You’ve mentioned two more reservations you’d like to make. Lunch in Naples and dinner in Rome.
Dinner in Rome
These are my recommendations near the hotel:
Nerone - you can walk to this one
INEO Restaurant - you can walk to this as well
Oro Bistrot - 9 minute drive or 24 minute walk with rooftop dining
Lume- Osteria alle Scalette - 18 minute drive but I can personally vouch for this one
Ornelli Black Angus Steakhouse - 10 min car ride or 25 minute walk
Lunch in naples
This really depends on what your plans are for the day. If you are truly staying in Naples I recommend
'A Figlia d''o Marenar0 - some of the best seafood in Naples
Restaurante Umberto - in business since 1916 and a local staple
Mimi alla Ferrovia - a good mix of beef and seafood options in a nice setting
Palazzo Petrucci - right on the water with a view of the Gulf of Naples