![LogoLong_website-[Recovered]_edited_edit](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/e52d56_fd2f65176ca74d41b1e18a339e54f2a0~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_316,h_97,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/LogoLong_website-%5BRecovered%5D_edited_edit.png)
Vacation Wrap-Up Reel
Notes from Vanessa:
Our 16-day journey was packed with excitement, visiting 14 cities across 5 countries and experiencing nearly every mode of transportation. Sharing this adventure with my husband, kids, brother, and sister-in-law was truly magical. My family enjoys cruising as a part of our travel adventures, and cruising with friends and family enhances the experience even more.
We love cruising because it combines multiple vacations into one and allows us to see much of the world in a single trip. The convenience of unpacking just once is a significant advantage. We could explore all day while the ship traveled at night, providing the luxury and convenience of being in a floating all-inclusive hotel, and waking up in a new country each day. We learned that Mediterranean cruising is quite different from Caribbean cruising as it has a quieter and more relaxing pace. We were fortunate to sail on one of the newest ships, the NCL Viva, part of the Prima class. This class of ships takes cruising to the next level with its thoughtful layout and design, which prevents the feeling of overcrowding. My favorite aspect was the abundance of somewhere to lounge and relax, eliminating the stereotypical cruising concerns. No need to wake up early to reserve a lounge chair by the pool.
This vacation allowed us to broaden our kids' horizons beautifully. They experienced new cultures, appreciated diverse environments, and learned life lessons that only travel can provide. This was the perfect trip to take with kids, and I encourage others not to wait to show their children the world.
Itinerary
🇺🇸 Day 1: Overnight Travel
Prepare for your journey on an overnight flight. Wear comfy clothes, pack essentials in your carry-on, and sleep as much as you can.
After a long flight, a private transfer to the hotel from Mozio offers a warm welcome upon arrival. Check into Hotel Napoleon, store your luggage, and explore the area. The hotel staff recommends Il Tulipano Nero for the first Italian meal, a short walk through the charming Roman streets. Delight in Italian cuisine with pasta, pizza, and wine.
Once the room is ready, take a refreshing nap. In the evening, walk to the Roman Coliseum to marvel at this wonder illuminated at night, enjoy a local music festival, and end the night with authentic gelato.
The adrenaline of being in a new country got us through the first few hours, but a long afternoon nap was much needed once we got in our room and settled. A quick night time trip out to explore prepared us for a great nights sleep.
🇮🇹 Day 3: Colosseum Tour in Rome
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel or venture out for fresh pastries next door. A later afternoon tour at the Colosseum allows for a leisurely morning exploring nearby shops and cafes. At the Colosseum, your tour guide is easy to find—just remember to bring your passports for entry. Liv Tours provides a semi-private tour of the Colosseum, including access to the gladiator floor.
Enhance the experience and reserve the Tour with Underground, Arena & Gladiator Gate. The tour is fascinating, informative, and an incredible experience for history lovers.
For dinner, take a ride share to the famous Osteria da Fortunata for fresh pasta made before your eyes. Before heading to the sea, enjoy a Roman night exploring churches
and visiting the Trevi Fountain for another gelato treat.
The Colosseum tour was incredible! It was difficult to comprehend being in a space where 1000's died for entertainment. Surreal to see artist renderings of what it looked like during its time. What we know from history is far different than standing in the middle of it.
My favorite memories of roaming the streets of Rome, were stopping in a local market for a fresh parmigiano reggiano snack. I can never get enough! Dinner at Osteria da Fortunata was delicious with the thick cut fresh pasta, but be prepared to wait in line for a table.
🇮🇹 Day 4: Civitavecchia - Embark upon the Viva
Get ready to aboard the most spacious new cruise ship, with 35% more per guest than any other cruise line.
A private transfer by Mozio provides a convenient and comfortable ride directly
to the cruise port terminal for check-in. Spend the afternoon exploring the ship and unpacking, just in time for dinner at one of Norwegian's specialty dining restaurants.
This was our fifth sailing with NCL on our fifth ship, and by far our favorite. Always somewhere to sit, lounge, or get a bite to eat. The onboard messaging app allowed us to stay in contact with the kids as they played and explored, while the adults relaxed in one of the many outdoor areas or lounges. The Prima class of ships have spoiled us!
🇮🇹 Day 5: Pisa, Italy
Norwegian provides a shuttle from the ship to the center of Livorno, Italy. Explore the plaza or enjoy some gelato before meeting the tour guide for the Pisa and Leaning Tower tour with Project Expedition. A bus transports the group to Pisa, where there is plenty of free time to explore the Miracle Square, known for its vendor shopping, a unique McDonald's experience unlike those in the States, and stunning architecture, including the Leaning Tower of Pisa. The tour includes tickets to climb the tower, offering breathtaking views of the mountains. The climb is challenging but incredibly rewarding.
Once back onboard the ship, shop the art installations or grab a drink and relax in the comfortable observatory lounge for amazing views.
Pisa and the Miracle Square is a typical tourist destination packed with people. But it isn't difficult to enjoy the surrounding history and get a good photo and take in amazing sites. There is a beautiful church that is worth visiting, but always carry something to cover your shoulders as it is a requirement. We hung out at the McDonald's while we waited on the bus for more fresh parm snacks and amazing french fries. Yes, European McDonald's is superior!
🇮🇹 Day 6: Naples, Italy: Amalfi Coast, Sorrento, and Pompei
There are many sights to see while in port at Naples. The best way to spend the day is
by reserving
a Private Amalfi and Pompei Tour, which provides a private driver to craft the perfect day. A beautiful drive along the coast, with views that will make you want to stop for photos at every turn, comes upon the breathtaking sights of the Amalfi Coast. Spend a few hours in Positano, enjoying the fresh scent of lemons and shopping at luxury boutiques.
Continue to Sorrento, known for its limoncello and chocolate shops.
Sorrento is an ideal place for affordable shopping, enjoying Margherita pizza, and sipping a glass of wine.
The final leg of the day is spent exploring the tragic and beautiful remains of Pompeii, with views of Mt. Vesuvius lurking in the distance.
Return to the ship full of new memories, and wind down by catching a comedy show or Broadway play aboard the Viva.
This was a day packed full but without ever feeling rushed. We were able to enjoy the best of each town whether it was shopping, enjoying a lemon sorbet treat or gasping at the views in disbelief that this is real life. Sorrento had great shops and the pricing was much better than Positano. There was shop we went into that made their own limoncello, cookies, candies and chocolates. They were so generous with the samples that we left tipsy and full. They sell online, when I find the name I will post here. Divine treats!! Pompei was much larger than expected so map out a plan ahead of time. I also suggest reserving either a tour guide or audio headphones for a self tour. Otherwise, the grounds itself doesn't provide much information about what you are experiencing and you can be left in constant curiosity. Two hours would've been enough if we would've mapped out a plan a bit better. This is a must visit destination.
🇮🇹 Day 7: Messina, Sicily, Italy
The journey continues down the coast of Southern Italy. There are many day trips available from this port, such as a sightseeing trip to Taormina Day Tour
to see its ancient landmarks. Alternatively, get adventurous and climb Mt. Etna during a Half-Day Tour.
As exhaustion set in, we decided to take a break and lounge on the boat all day. Taking in multiple meals, naps, slides, and games - was a welcomed break. Though, if going back I would power through and take advantage of visiting Taormina as we heard from others in our group that it was worth every moment. Though, as much as I am fascinated by volcanoes, I am regretful to have not gone to Mt. Etna, which erupted two days after we left!
🇮🇹 Day 8: Syracuse, Sicily, Italy
A short distance away lies the beautiful port town of Siracusa.
Access the city with a short walk from the port to visit magnificent churches, explore the maze of streets around Sicily, and enjoy classic Italian alleyways and street cafes. Treat yourself to another gelato.
End the night dancing in the club or chatting with new friends in a lounge, while the kids enjoy their activities in the Splash Academy or the Entourage Teen Lounge.
This is a great port to plan on doing nothing but walking around and stumbling upon beautiful crafted fountains, breathtaking churches, and endless places to eat and drink. Another maze of alleyways typical to European countries, in this area they aren't busy and can often feel like you are the only one taking in the wonders.
🇲🇹 Day 9: Valletta, Malta
Add a new country to the list with a visit to the small island of Malta, known for its
rocky coastline. Plan to spend the day in the water but resist avoiding popular spots like St. Peter's swimming hole. Beautiful and amazing but crowded. Instead, research
and find a local spot with few visitors for a rejuvenating swim in the Mediterranean Sea. An early all-aboard time allows for a night full of entertainment, games, and gourmet dinners on the ship. As the ship leaves port, catch a glimpse of the impressive ruins used as a film set for Game of Thrones.
For a trip of a lifetime like this, it is difficult to choose a favorite day. But, this day is at top of the list. An early morning arrival provided this unknown swimming hole a paradise all to ourselves. The Sea felt divine on the skin, the salinity of the water made it easy to float. There is natural shade available when you need a break from the sun. Three to four hours was more than enough time to experience one of the best days of our lives!
🇬🇷 Day 10: Corfu, Greece
The third country of the trip, Greece, offers the island of Corfu, which has it all—shops, eats, drinks, ancient ruins, and swimming. Take a short public bus ride to Old Town to shop for unique handmade garments and gifts. Take a walk towards the seaside to the Garden of People to explore ruins, gardens, and active harbors. After walking many steps, cool off with a dip in the sea at nearby seaside cafe.
Grab a table at Imbari Corfu for Grecian snacks and drinks, with access to the refreshing Mediterranean Sea for a swim.
After a boarding the ship and getting refreshed and rested, get inspired by the adventures on board. Try the drop slide or race go-karts on the top deck. Racing on top of a moving vessel along side the mountains of Albania, is an adventure in itself.
Corfu is absolutely a place we will visit again for a length of time. I like to call cruising a "scouting" trip. You find places that you want to go back and spend your precious time at even more. My girls got handmade Greek dresses that will stay in the family forever. We did the majority of souvenir shopping here because of the endless amounts of spices and oils. We saw ancient ruins and beautiful gardens. One look over the harbor and I spotted a restaurant with swimming access to the Mediterranean and knew that is where we need to be. Spent hours at the Cafe eating, drinking delicious cocktails, filling up on nutrients with healthy smoothies, and taking multiple dips in the Sea to swim. No one rushed us to leave, and it was the perfect day.
🇭🇷 Day 11: Dubrovnik, Croatia
The fourth country of the trip, Croatia, offers sights straight out of a movie, with views that seem like a dream. Hire a taxi driver for a ride to the top of the mountain, where sights of Bosnian villages are on the right and breathtaking views of the sea are on the left.
End the taxi ride at Old Town, where there is plenty of time to explore halls of the fort, walk The City Walls, or visit the nearby beach for cliff jumping and swimming.
A Norwegian shuttle is available back to the ship, where another great meal awaits.
Before departure, find a spot on the ship to lounge facing the bridge and watch the thrilling adventures of bungee jumping unfold!
For those from the Southeastern United States, try to spot this familiar birdhouse!
Back aboard, try your luck at a bingo game or in the casino.
The views, the views!! Opting out of a paid tour was the way to go. Hiring a taxi driver to take us to the best overlook was worth it. Our driver had first hand knowledge of the history that this country went through just a short time ago, pointing out structures remaining from the war. Another place I will visit, maybe even retire! The country is clean, the people are nice, and there is so many things to experience and enjoy. And, there is a little nod to home. My brother found a Rock City TN birdhouse hanging in the streets!
🇭🇷 Day 12: Split, Croatia
Pick up a rickshaw driver at the port for a unique ride to the center of town. Spend the day strolling through the crowded but lively and exciting Diocletian Palace. Enjoy a 90-Minute Walking Tour to learn the full history of the Palace. Duck down an alley to discover an endless amount of galleries, gardens, hotels, shops, boutiques and cafés.
Stop at Galerija Food to enjoy a delicious croissant sandwich followed by a delightful lavender cocktail. If time allows, catch a nearby tour bus to the Paklenica National Park. or a boat ride to one of the islands for a swim.
Alternatively, return to the ship for a restful afternoon at the Mandarin Spa. Get pampered from a full menu of spa and therapeutic services, or reserve a day in the Thermal Spa. An adults only day pass gives access to ocean view lounging, soaking in the hot tub pools, or reviving the body in the ice cave.
I love Split! It is busy, full of life, and so many things to go do and see that your head is left spinning. The rickshaw ride was such a fun experience, I almost wished we had hired one for the day to take us all over. The Palace was packed with people, but it was easy to get away to a quiet spot and sip on cocktails that are out of this world yummy. I am still dreaming of that croissant sandwich! Our day was cut short by weather, but already have plans when we go back to take a private boat to one of the 1000's of islands for some cave swimming.
🇸🇮 Day 13: Koper, Slovenia
The fifth country of the trip is a hidden gem. Few cruise liners port here, so enjoy every moment of the clean, kind, and small country. Reserving the Tour to Piran gets you to the peninsula town of Piran. There, you can walk the alleyways until the smell of pizza stops you for lunch. Shop for Piran Salt, and Slovenian chocolate made with Piran salt. It is a delicious treat not likely to make it home. Find the path to the church on the hill for amazing 360-degree views of the town.
Upon returning to Koper, immediate access to the ship allows for a rest before heading back out to the streets of Koper. Many cafés are nearby for a leisurely and late lunch. Walk along the seaside through the public park as the day comes to an end.
The second part of the day starts aboard the Viva, with late-night drinks in the pub while watching local futbol games.
A welcomed surprise to learn of the Slovenian culture and how much we need to bring back some of it to our own communities. Clean and care for your country. Work, but not too much. Make your own wine and share it. And center your lives around friends and family. And oh, Piran. What a wonderful town to get lost in and end up eating pizza in an alleyway. Another contender for a future place of retirement.
🇮🇹 Day 14: Trieste, Italy
An early and smooth disembarkation provides time to take the 2 hour train journey to Venice, Italy, the start of the last leg of the trip. Upon arriving at the Venice train station, avoid the long lines by reserving a private water taxi. Check into a hotel in the heart of the city to unpack, unwind, and prepare for two days filled with Venetian food and Aperol Spritz. Enjoy a meal at any café on any corner while shopping for luxury brands or visiting St. Mark's Plaza.
🇮🇹 Day 15: Venice, Italy
Over the canals and through the alleyways, walk to the Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute where sometimes live pipe organs are being delicately played. Explore churches and art museums. Grab a gondola ride or catch a live evening concert to experience music echoing through centuries-old churches.
🇮🇹 Day 16: Travel Home
Venice is not the easiest city to get in and out of. For the most convenient transfer to the airport, reserve a private water taxi which arrives at the private docks of the airport. Grab some fresh pastries on the way out for a last taste of Italy before the journey home begins.
Need to Know
Cruising is the best way for families to experience Europe and get as much exposure as our limited vacation time allows. Kids do not need to be older to start traveling internationally and learning about other cultures. Norwegian cruising offers family time during the day exploring Europe, and a variety of activities and events for everyone at night. There is ample time in each country and also plenty of time enjoying the ship's amenities. It feels like two vacations in one, every day!
Europe by Day
Live the Viva life at night
Suppliers and Vendors
Did you like this guide? Reach out to customize and book your own experience. Or, just to chat about travel in general.
See more photos from this travel guide, and other destinations.