Diy Excursions

[Onelife]

Hi All, with only 354 days to go before we set sail on our 19 day cruise I’m starting to think about pre booking excursions, there is likely to be three of us going on this cruise so I’m thinking about which excursions we could manage DIY.

I would be grateful if you could have a look at these destinations and give an opinion as to which you think would be manageable…walking, taxi, but not train. I appreciate a lot will depend on what we wish to see at each port of call but a rough outline of what is doable would be helpful.

Montril (Spain)

Palermo (Italy)

Piraeus (Greece)

Kusadasi (Turkey)

Santorini (Greece)

Heakian (Greece)

Cadiz (Spain)

I have been to a few of these destinations but it was over ten years ago so I’m struggling to recall which excursions are best pre-booked.

If you can spare the time…thank you.

Keith

[david63]

A lot will depend on what you want to do/see.

Piraeus is a fair way from the centre, and attractions, of Athens so would need to factor in getting to/from Athens (shuttle bus maybe?)

Kusadasi. Last time I was there you could walk straight off the ship into the hustle and bussle.

Heraklion. If you have not been then you will probably want to go to Knossos which I would suggest that you do on an organised tour (either ship or private)

Cadiz. Usually the ship docks almost in the town centre - but that may have changed.

Cannot help on the other ports

[Ray B]

No problem in Cadiz Kieth, lovely city just to walk and take your time. You have the recently discovered Roman Amphitheatre, you will love this, it's FREE to get in. The Cathedral, impressive . The market, not to be missed, stop and have tapas and a drink or three there.or walk past the Cathedral and turn left, the beach and promenade awaits.
From the port turn right and head to the rugged coast line with lookout towers and gardens to meander through follow the coast round to the left facing the sea will bring you to the Amphitheater. So much, you won't see it in a day, so get a map and plan ahead. You will not want to waste time getting lost, or maybe you you will, for again it's all part of the Cadiz experience.

[Meg 50]

Montril (Spain) - no idea

Palermo (Italy) -no idea

Piraeus (Greece) - quite a way to Athens - so you could do Athens on your own, or the ho ho bus. It is possible to use the metro - but don't know how reliable it is. My OH did Corinth canal trip

Kusadasi (Turkey) - quite a pretty little town - if you can avoid the pushy carpet salesmen. Ephesus is a long way. so a trip necessary

Santorini (Greece) - no idea

Heraklian (Greece) - we were meant to go there, but the itinerary was changed...

Cadiz (Spain) - advertised as 'for Seville' but it's miles and miles ...and miles. Better off exploring Cadiz

[Mervyn and Trish]

I'd agree about Cadiz. Very nice for a wander. Never been to the others.

[david63]

there is likely to be three of us going on this cruise

It is not obligatory that you take your own butler on holiday with you - you could give the poor chap a few days off while you are away!!

[Onelife]

there is likely to be three of us going on this cruise

It is not obligatory that you take your own butler on holiday with you - you could give the poor chap a few days off while you are away!!

I did say that there were three of us going…I’ve just got to arrange for his bed to be put out on the balcony.

[Cheshire Cruiser]

Motril failed to impress us on our only visit in 2025. A lovely park near the shuttle bus drop off but otherwise it didn't have a lot to offer at least for us. It seems to well off the tourist trail as very little English was spoken (not a complaint, just an observation).

Piraeus, last time we took the shuttle into Athens (don't recall if it is a shuttle or is it a tour 'Athens on Your Own') and had a pleasant time just wandering around and caught the Changing of the Guard at 12 o’clock. Have never explored Piraeus itself.

Kusadasi we did the tour to Ephesus which was very interesting, presumably bookable locally as well as with ship.

Santorini - be aware if going ashore independently the quay the tenders take you to is 600ft plus below the town, accessed via a cable car(long queues if several ships in) or by climbing several hundred steps. Ships Tours are tendered to the ferry pier which the coaches can access (via multiple hairpin bends) but is only available at certain times of the day and tours tend to end with a drop off in town and directions to the cable car / steps. We had approx 45 minutes wait for the cable car going back down after the tour and that was apparently at a fairly quiet time!

Not been to the others other than Cadiz which has already been well covered by others.

[Clophill4]

Motril - First port on first cruise 15 years ago. Didn't know what to expect, if I had I'd have stayed on the ship.

[Onelife]

Thanks so much for these observations/suggestions ...I’m starting to get a clearer picture of where we are going, and how to get there…I’m all ears for any more suggestions.

[oldbluefox]

We went to Ephesus Kusudasi on an excursion and thoroughly enjoyed it. Fascinating story behind its history and wonderful ruins if that is what you like. Good idea to look it up on YouTube.
When we returned we were invited to a carpet exhibition and my wife thought it a good idea!!!!Talk about the hard sell. In consequence once we got on the ship we stayed there. Would have loved to look in the shops but everywhere we went it was the hard sell so in the end we gave up.

[oldbluefox]

there is likely to be three of us going on this cruise

It is not obligatory that you take your own butler on holiday with you - you could give the poor chap a few days off while you are away!!

It's probably his mother in law and she's paying, but doesn't know it yet.

[oldbluefox]

Never been to Palermo but it does look very nice.

[Onelife]

We went to Ephesus Kusudasi on an excursion and thoroughly enjoyed it. Fascinating story behind its history and wonderful ruins if that is what you like. Good idea to look it up on YouTube.
When we returned we were invited to a carpet exhibition and my wife thought it a good idea!!!!Talk about the hard sell. In consequence once we got on the ship we stayed there. Would have loved to look in the shops but everywhere we went it was the hard sell so in the end we gave up.

Hi Foxy, we’ve been to Ephesus, Kusudasi but it was so hot we couldn’t really take it all in.…hopefully April/May will give us a more refreshing tour of this historical site…its hard to believe it was once a trading port.

[Ray B]

Kieth, We were on Azura from Malta and called at Piraeus (Greece). Now I cannot remember exactly, but the Ho-Ho busses are parked ina well organised car park not far from the ship. We took a sightseeing route which went along the coast, now the sights were nothing much, I do rember a Castle, but the tour also took us up to the Parthenon. The bus drops you off at a park just below the Acropolis. Looking up at the vast number of people climbing the steps to the top, Mrs B said "no way" . Just a view yards down from the bus drop off there is a cafe resturant in which we picked a nice table to sit back and admire the Parthenon, dedicated to the goddess Athena. A nice couple of drinks and a bite to eat, it's a very smart resturant.
Now it doesn't bother us not actually going up to the site, plus Mrs Bs pins are not like they were . But, if you have difficulties in walking, this is a nice way to actually see the Parthenon and in comfort.
You can on returning to the bus do as we did, get off in the city centre, it's all flat and walk back to the ship, not that far, or stay on the bus to go back to the port.
The cost in 2025 was 20 euro pp, P&O may be a tad higher.

[Onelife]

Thanks Ray, this is the ships tour price which looks similar to what you experienced for a third of the price…Was the 20 euro pp for a return journey or single?

The Acropolis - Crown Jewel of Athens
Discover the awe-inspiring beauty of ancient Greece as you visit the iconic Acropolis, featuring 5th-century BC landmarks like the Parthenon. The tour also includes a scenic drive showcasing highlights such as the Temple of Olympian Zeus, the Presidential Palace, and the historic Old Olympic Stadium.
ADULT
£77.40

[Ray B]

Amendment to my last post , we got the Ho- Ho bus in Piraeus city centre back to the port.
£77.80 for P&O tour, you do get a few more sites thrown in if you want to see more.
20 euro is per person back in 2025. We throughly enjoyed our day at a more leisurely pace.

[Meg 50]

First time in Athens we did 'scenic Athens ( or somesuch) - basically a bus ride with photo opportunities.
Next time we did Athens on tour own, having prebooked the New Acropolis Museum - which was a couple of minutes walk from the drop off. ASfter we wandered around for a while until bus time. No shuttle bus available.
third time OH did Corinth in the morning and we intended to do Piraeus when he got back , but it was so hot we decided to stay in the Air con onboard!