Marie Forbes -  Celebrity Edge - October 2022

Cruise Schedule: Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy (02 Oct d1700); Chania, Crete (04 Oct 1030-1900); Rhodes, Greece (05 Oct 0800-1900); Santorini, Greece (06 Oct 0700-1900); Mykonos, Greece (07 Oct 0700-1700); Istanbul, Turkey (08 Oct 1100(+1)1300); Kusadasi (Ephesus), Turkey (10 Oct 0900-1700); Piraeus (Athens), Greece (11 Oct 0530-1800); Naples, Italy (13 Oct 0700-1830); Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy (14 Oct a0500)

ORGANIZE like the one on 2018

Name:  Marie Forbes - Personal Touch Travel  

Ticket (main) 227640

Phone: +1 732-951-9562 home

+1 732-996-9981 cell

personaltouch1@comcast.net

Has Booked 42 pax, will probably reach 50 pax (includes Marie and husband for free)

Departs cruise on October 2, 2022

Needs transfer from FCO to Grand Hotel Palace in Via Vittorio Veneto Oct 1st

Tour of Rome at 2:00 pm

• Guided Vatican tour with tickets (for 1 group)

• Something like Catacombs for the other group

On Oct 2 before boarding the ship all together will do the highlights with no Vatican.

Oct 14, some will go from the ship to FCO and some will go to Venice

CANCELED Marie Forbes -  Celebrity Apex - Sept 2021

for internal use only

Contact Info

Name:  Marie Forbes - Personal Touch Travel

Ticket (main) 227640

Phone: +1 732-951-9562 home

+1 732-996-9981 cell

Group Size: 38 (including the group leader and husband)

Ship Schedule September 2020  - Celebrity Apex

 Barcelona, Spain (18 Sep d1700); La Valletta, Malta (20 Sep d1800); Rhodes, Greece (22 Sep d1700); Kusadasi (Ephesus), Turkey (23 Sep d1900); Mykonos, Greece (24 Sep d1900); Piraeus (Athens), Greece (25 Sep d1800); Nafplion, Greece (26 Sep d1900); Santorini, Greece (27 Sep d1900); Barcelona, Spain (30 Sep)

Request:

We have rebooked and will be sailing on the Celebrity Apex that sails out of Barcelona  on 9/18/2021. Is there the chance that you can adjust the page your started for us?

Price Disclaimer

The prices shown are for a minimum number of people as indicated at each tour. If there will be less people travelling, the prices will need to be recalculated.  All quotes are subjected to availability

Payments Click here to issue the payments  (your credit card will convert to US dollars)

instructions: Make sure to use the top part of the page (the one for EURO payments). Enter Julia for name of booking assistant, and on the next field enter "Forbes 2020" instead of the FS number.

Barcelona Note: 

I also wanted to mention that you customized our group two years ago when we sailed on the Symphony of the Seas. So we have been to Barcelona. The hope was that we could see different sites in Barcelona this time based on your suggestions of course.

We will be staying at Motel One, so that is where we would like for the group to be transferred from the airport to on Friday, Sept 17 once we arrive at the Barcelona airport.

On Saturday morning, we would like to be picked up from the hotel, do the Sagrada Familia tour, and then be taken to the pier to board our cruise after the tour.

 We would love to have the same tour guide for Barcelona that you assigned to us on our last cruise. I am not sure, but I think his name was Rob.

(see internal page for further details)

BARCELONA: Private Half Day Transfer-Tour                                                            

IMPORTANT:  price valid only for groups of 35 people if booked by 2020 - a different number of participants may require a price adjustment.

Tour price: EUR  per person

+ Additional Sagrada Familia skip the line tickets:  EUR ___ per person

PRICE NOTE: the price above is the 2020 price for Sagrada Familia skip the line tickets. Prices may change in 2021. 

INCLUSIONS: 

• Travel in air conditioned coach

• Licensed professional driver.

• Knowledgeable professional walk along local guide

• Prices include all taxes and fees, no hidden costs.

EXCLUSIONS:

• Entrance tickets to Sagrada Familia are not included if not purchased in advance (please, see above)

• Lunch, drinks and gratuities.

DURATION: approx. 4 hours from pick up to drop off time

TIME: You indicate the desired pick up time (8:00 or 8:30 am suggested) 

Proposed Itinerary (may be reversed or rearranged as needed)

NOTE that with this half day excursion you will not be able to visit all the sites listed below. Please coordinate your itinerary directly with the driver. 

• Pick up at your desired location (driver will have a sign with your name)

• Depart pier and visit 3 separate areas in Barcelona:

  • Gothic Section: Barcelona Cathedral, Jewish Section, Roman Ruins. This part of the tour is mainly walking. If you prefer not walking, also it is possible. Old Port and waterfront: Ramblas, Colombus Memorial, Barceloneta district and beach, Olympic Village.

  • All about Gaudi: Sagrada Familia, Park Guell, Casa Batllo and Casa Mila. Here you have the option to visit the inside of each site if interested Entrance tickets are not included (can be purchased separately here).

  • Montjuich area: Plaza España, Nationale Palace, Olympic Ring and Montjuic Castle.

• Return to indicated drop off location after about 4 hours from agreed pick up time

Itinerary details are indicative and may need to be changed by the driver in case of heavy traffic or any other unforeseen situation. 

Barcelona:  One way transfer (airport <--> hotel <--> port <--> airport)                   

IMPORTANT:  price valid only for groups of 35 people if booked by 2020 - a different number of participants may require a price adjustment.

Transfer Price: EUR ___ per person

INCLUDES: 

• air-conditioned transportation by modern comfortable minibus

• professional licensed driver

EXCLUSIONS: gratuities, and any personal expense

TRAVEL TIME: about 30 minutes depending on traffic

PICK UP:  The driver will pick you up at your desired location (holding a sign with your name).

NOTE when transferring from the airport: the driver will monitor your flight arrival time, and will meet you at the arrival terminal right outside the luggage claim area  (holding a sign with your name).

Free baggage allowance: 1 large suitcase + 1 carry on + hand baggage per person. Additional large pieces may incur a surcharge

La Valletta : Full Day Malta Private Shore Excursion                                                 

IMPORTANT:  price valid only for groups of 35 people if booked by 2020 - a different number of participants may require a price adjustment.

Tour Price: EUR ___ per person

INCLUSIONS: 

• Travel in an comfortable minibus or in a comfortable air-conditioned coach

• Licensed professional driver.

• Official Licensed Guide will accompany you during the whole duration of the tour

• Prices include all taxes and fees, no hidden costs.

EXCLUSIONS:

• Optional entrance tickets to sites of Interest

  • Malta 5D show in Valletta: €7 per person

  • Cathedral in Mdina: €5 per person

  • Co-cathedral in Valletta: €10 per person

  • Grand Masters Palace in Valletta: €8 per person

  • Malta War Museum: €12 per person

• Lunch, drinks and gratuities.

DURATION: approx.8 hours from pick up to drop off time 

TIME: You decide your desired pick up time

Tour Description

We suggest different itineraries depending on your port of arrival. You can choose your desired itinerary.

• 8HM1: Mosta, Crafts Village, Mdina & Valletta

• 8HM2: The Second World War in Malta & its British History

Itinerary details are indicative and may need to be changed by the driver in case of heavy traffic or any other unforeseen situation.

Sites Descriptions

Mosta: a central town famous for its Rotunda church. The Rotunda also famous as the Mosta Dome is the third largest unsupported dome in the whole World with an internal diameter of 37.2 metres and walls nearly 9.1 metres thick. This church was built in the 18th Century and became known throughout the country in 1942 when during World War II, a dropped bomb failed to explode, thus sparing the lives of some 300 people.

Ta'Qali Crafts Village: located nearby was once a British WWII outpost, but has been converted to a village for local handicrafts. You will be able to watch local artisans at work blowing elaborate glass art pieces, intricately assembling original silver filigree jewellery and many more. This is the perfect place to pick up treasures that will remind you of your Malta visit.

Mdina: Malta’s old capital city. Mdina built on a plateau in the centre of the island, the city's old Baroque buildings, cathedral and magnificent bastion walls dominate the rural skyline. Mdina, once the capital city of Malta has had many names including Melita (Roman Occupation), Medina (Arabic Occupation), Citta' Nobile (Knights of St. John) and Citta Vecchia (after Valletta was built). Today is also referred as the Silent City since it inspires tranquility at any time of the day or night. Mdina is one of Europe's finest examples of an ancient walled city and extraordinary in its mix of medieval and baroque architecture.

Valletta: Malta's Capital City and a World Heritage Site. Valletta contains buildings from the 16th century onwards, built during the rule of the Order of St. John of Jerusalem, also known as Knights Hospitaller. You will walk through the bustling streets and to Barracca Gardens for a breathtaking panorama of the Grand Harbour. You will then visit St. John's Co-Cathedral where you will see the painting 'The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist' by Caravaggio, considered one of Caravaggio's masterpieces and the only painting signed by the painter. During the tour you will also watch the Malta 5D Show where you will discover the history of our islands in a different and enjoyable way.

Vittoriosa: here we will see the fortifications which date back to the times of the Knights and were later used by the British for their defensive purpose. We will visit the maze like, underground Air Raid shelters and relive the conditions of what has been referred to as the Second Great Siege of Malta. These subterranean bomb shelters were excavated in the solid rock and were extended as the war progressed.

Barrakka Garden: You will be able to enjoy a spectacular view of the Grand Harbour (the largest natural harbour of the Mediterranean Sea), which was a British military base and the main reason why Malta came under fire as soon as Mussolini declared war on the Allied forces.

Malta War Museum. The museum itself is situated at Fort St. Elmo, an original defensive system built by the Knights which also was modified to serve the British military purpose. Among the numerous exhibits are the fuselage of one of the legendary Gloster Gladiators and well as the E-boat (human torpedo). Entrance tickets cost €12 per person.

KUSADASI: Ephesus Guided Private Shore Excursion                                             

IMPORTANT:  price valid only for groups of 35 people if booked by 2020 - a different number of participants may require a price adjustment.

Tour Price: EUR ___ per person

INCLUSIONS: 

• Private Excursion where you will travel in your own modern, comfortable vehicle with professional driver. 

• Official Licensed Guide who are "expert in Biblical tours" will accompany you during the whole duration of the tour.

• Lunch

• Parking fees

EXCLUSIONS:

• gratuities.

• Entrance tickets. The cost of the tickets varies according to the itinerary you will choose: 

  • 78HK1: Ephesus Ancient City, House of Virgin Mary, Basilica of St. John + Tickets €26.00

  • 78HK2: Ephesus Ancient City, House of Virgin Mary, Temple of Artemis (Diana) + Tickets: €22.00

  • 78HK3: Ephesus Ancient City and Historical village of Sirince + Tickets: €14.00

DURATION: full day (about 8 hours)

TIME: You decide your desired pick up time

 .

Tour Descriptions

The Official Licensed Guide will accompany you during the whole duration of the tour

AVAILABLE ITINERARIES (CHOOSE ONE):

• 78HK1: Ephesus Ancient City, House of Virgin Mary, Basilica of St. John + Tickets €26.00

• 78HK2: Ephesus Ancient City, House of Virgin Mary, Temple of Artemis (Diana) + Tickets: €22.00

• 78HK3: Ephesus Ancient City and Historical village of Sirince + Tickets: €14.00

House of the Virgin Mary:  located on the top of the beautiful Solmissos Mountains where it is believed Mary spent her last living days. 

Ancient City of Ephesus: a downhill walk with your guide will take you into the ruins of this amazing  Roman capital. There you will be able to visit: The Bouleuterion, Temple of Domitian, Hercules Gate, Temple of Hadrian, The Celsus Library, The Great Theater. 

NOTE: if interested, you can add to the above itineraries a guided visit to the Terrace Houses (Slope Houses) where the richest Romans lived from 1st to 7th AD. The cost of  €15.00 extra per person includes entrance fees and guiding service. Houses are considered today as the biggest puzzle of the world and located on the Curetes Street among the ruins of Ephesus.

The Temple of Artemis (Diana): one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

Basilica of St. John: located in St. John's town where you'll see the remaining graceful columns along with a wonderful view of the old town of Selcuk.

Historical Village of Sirince:   is a village of 600 inhabitants in İzmir Province, Turkey, located about 8 kilometers (5.0 mi) east of the town Selçuk. There is a story that the village was settled by freed Greek slaves who named the village Çirkince (meaning "Ugly" in Turkish) to deter others from following them.

Ephesus carpet & rug art: you will be introduced to the local cultural aspects of Ephesus by showing handmade carpet & rug Art done through traditional weaving in the Cooperative village and you'll enjoy many of Ephesus Ceramics as well.

Opportunity to stop at a leather store for local products (optional).

Itinerary details are indicative and may need to be changed by the driver in case of heavy traffic or any other unforeseen situation

Piraeus (Athens), Athens Highlights excursion                                                         

IMPORTANT:  price valid only for groups of 35 people if booked by 2020 - a different number of participants may require a price adjustment.

Tour price: EUR___ per person

 Acropolis Entrance tickets are not included and will be purchased on site. Cost per person EUR 20 (this is the 2020 price) 

DURATION: 8  hours approx-

INCLUDES:

• Air conditioned transport by bus from Piraeus Port

• Licensed professional tour guide provides guided walking tour of sites

NOTE: reaching the Acropolis requires walking along an inclined path not suitable for people with walking disabilities. This part can be optional.

Description

With this excursion you will have a complete visit of Athens. The private bus will take you to the major sights and highlights. The staff will meet you at your ship pier at the port of Piraeus and you will be escorted on board for the transfer to Athens. You will have short stops at the major highlights in order to visit them. Your tour guide will give you an explanation of each site. You will also have free time to have lunch and shopping in the Plaka district before to get on board again.

Proposed Itinerary  (may be reversed or rearranged as needed - subjected to changes due to local conditions)

• Stop at the Panathiniako Stadium 

• Stop at the Temple of Zeus and Hadrian‘s Arch

• Stop at The Acropolis for a guided tour of all the sites in the area 

• Stop at the Monument to the Unknown Soldier to enjoy the changing of the Guard 

• Sightseeing of Athens center; Academy, University and National Library 

• Walk into Plaka District of Athens with free time for shopping and lunch

• Return to Piraeus cruise ship port before “All-aboard time”

OPTIONAL stop at the museum for those interested.

Santorini: Private 5 Hours Guided Shore Excursion                                                  

IMPORTANT:  price valid only for groups of 35 people if booked by 2020 - a different number of participants may require a price adjustment.

Tour price: EUR____ per person

INCLUSIONS:

• Travel in a modern, comfortable vehicle

• Knowledgeable professional walk along local guide

• Pickup and drop-off from designated meeting points

• Prices include all taxes and fees, no hidden costs.

EXCLUSIONS:

• Tickets for the cable car  to reach meeting point (€6 per person payable in cash at travel time)

• Optional Wine Tasting: 5 different wines with snack (€18 per person) IMPORTANT: wine tasting need to be requested and booked in advance.

• Lunch, drinks, and gratuities.

DURATION:  5 hours.

STARTING TIME: suggested 90 minutes after ship arrival. Reaching the meeting point may take considerable time do to possible long lines at the cable car in Fira. We suggest heading out for the meeting point as soon as possible. 

MEETING POINT: you will be picked up at the top exit of the cable car in Fira. Your guide will meet you holding a sign with your name. 

NOTE: To reach the meeting point you will have to take the cable car to Fira. The lines for the cable car may be very long so please allocate ample time to reach your meeting point.

Tour Description

Itinerary (may be reversed or rearranged by driver as needed):

• The tour begins with a scenic journey to Oia, admiring the panoramic view of the Aegean Sea and neighboring islands along the way. The village of Oia is situated on top of a hill which offers a breathtaking view over the volcanic caldera of Santorini. This beautiful village with its narrow streets, traditional whitewashed houses, and blue domed churches provides a picture-postcard vision of the Greek Island.

• Enjoy the stunning views in the village of Imerovigli, situated on a higher cliff. In front of the village is an enormous rock called Skaros, which used to be the best spot to look out for pirates.

• On the way, we will make a short stop in Firostefani to see the famous Blue Dome Church, the subject of so many Santorini postcards.

• Make your way to the peak of Prophet Ilias, Santorini’s highest mountain that stands some 2000 feet above the sea. Be amazed by the island vistas around you and follow your guide inside the ornate Greek Christian monastery perched at the mountain’s summit.

• Visit the village of Pyrgos, the old capital of the island, take a guided walk along the narrow paths to the ruins of the Venetian castle.

• Taste rare wine varieties in the traditional winery of Venetsanos family. Viniculture is an ancient art in Santorini, thanks to the volcanic soil. Learn the secrets of wine-making and enjoy the tastes of the famous local wines. Optional wine tasting includes 5 different wines with snack (€18 per person)

• Make your way to the Black Beach of Perivolos, located on the southern coast of the Island. Enjoy an optional lunch there; our professional guide will be on hand to recommend the best restaurants to dine.

This is the perfect way to get know the island of Santorini in a half day!

Itinerary details are indicative and may need to be changed by the driver in case of heavy traffic or any other unforeseen situation. If a particular condition, needing a change in itinerary, should arise, your driver would explain the situation and provide you with alternative suggestions.

Mykonos, Greece                                                                                                           

We have found that It's easy to get around in Mykonos and the town can be discovered "on your own". 

If your ship docks at the Old Port you will be walking distance from downtown. If you dock at Tourlos, most cruise lines provide a shuttle bus which takes you to the parking lot near the old port of Mykonos. There are also public buses and taxi (€10 per taxi)  that can take you to town (5 minutes drive).  

If you want to visit Delos you can take a ferry from the Old Port in Mykonos. In the morning there is a boat at 09h00, 10h00 and 11h00. The trip costs € 17 per person (roundtrip) and takes about half an hour. For the entrance of the site in Delos you pay € 6 per person. Boats return to Mykonos at 12h15, 13h30 and 15h00.

Mykonos and Rhodes to be visited independently

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