One of the world’s most famous bridges, the Ponte Vecchio sits in the heart of Florence, Italy. The Ponte Vecchio is a medieval stone arch bridge over the Arno River. It was the only bridge in Florence spared from destruction during the Second World War, and is noted for the leather and jewelry shops built on it. The practice of building shops and even residences on such bridges was a common practice in medieval times.
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Join us as we visit historic treasures, natural wonders and vibrant cities set against backdrops that are endlessly changing and visually magnificent. Celebrate a world of travel experiences with these decorating accessories that are perfect for framing.
Saint Lucia is a volcanic formed island in the Caribbean noted for its mountainous terrain and fantastic beaches and resorts. Castries is the countries main city and is located in the center of North St. Lucia. It is one of the more popular destinations along with Rodney Bay, which has some of the top Saint Lucia beaches as well as popular nightlife spots. While this area is harder to get to from the international airport, still most visitors stay in this region during a visit. The island, while only forty five miles long seems much bigger because of the steep terrain on the southern half.
Soufriere is the town in the center of South St. Lucia. The town’s name comes from the sulfurous aromas created by the volcanic vents. Located nearer the natural wonders of the island like the Saint Lucia Diamond Falls Botanical Gardens and the iconic Pitons. Visitors into hiking and exploring the rain forests and waterfalls often use Soufrière as a base.
Where Your Ship Docks
Cruise ships call on the town of Castries in the center of North Saint Lucia and can dock at a couple of locations. One is the Pointe Seraphine Cruise Port that sits across the harbor from the town of Castries and features a welcome center with public facilities and a shopping village. Some cruise ships will tie up at the pier right in downtown Castries.
Wheelchair Accessibility
Disembarking – Pointe Seraphine Cruise Port has a developed cruise ship pier but the ease of disembarking varies by the individual ships gangway designs. For passengers using wheelchairs there can be a moderate ramp incline to deal with.
Port City Characteristics – This port has a moderate geography where there can be elevations and inclines to deal with. Otherwise wheelchair infrastructure is typical of Caribbean ports. The waterfront and near port area has moderate inclines in sidewalks but the city itself can be more difficult. Intersection crosswalks may have curbs or other wheelchair obstacles.
Transportation
The island has moderately priced taxis and taking a tour can be negotiated. Minibuses are the main means of Saint Lucia transportation for locals. These buses run at various times depending on the route but information can be difficult to locate. Fares range from $1.00 to $4.00. All registered minibuses have a green number plate with an M prefix. This is an island where taking a cruise shore excursion may be the best option for a single day ashore.
Currency
Saint Lucia is part of the Eastern Caribbean Common Market and the currency is the EC Dollar with US$1.00 = EC$2.60. American Dollars are often welcome as well as most credit cards.
Attractions
Pigeon Island is one of the top Saint Lucia landmarks and was a separate island until 1972, when the government built a causeway between it and the main island. Pigeon Island is where the infamous pirate, Jamb de Bois, created a base to attack merchant ships. Home to Fort Rodney built by the English to fight the French in the 1700s, it is a National Park featuring some great snorkeling and diving just off the shores.
The Piton Mountains are twin volcanic cones rising steeply from the Caribbean Sea and are among the most recognizable natural wonders of the West Indies. Designated a World Heritage Site, they’re blanketed with pristine forest that supports many rare plant species. Gros Piton is the higher of the two at 2,619 feet. It’s possible to hike to the summit with a guide, and the views are spectacular. The steeper but shorter Petit Piton at 2,438 feet is only for serious climbers. For the best views of the Pitons take a boat trip out on Piton Bay.
Rainforest Aerial Tram – A cable car that uses 16 open-air gondolas taking passengers up to the ecological park in the high forest. Each gondola includes a nature interpreter, who points out the native plants (such as giant ferns and heliconia) and can identify the many birds by their calls or plumage.
Rodney Bay Village is one of the most popular destinations on the island. The original crescent-shaped bay has been embellished with a man-made lagoon covering 80 acres and one of the Caribbean’s best yachting marinas. The nightlife is lively, with a collection of bars and clubs and Saint Lucia’s only casino.
Diving and Snorkling – is incredible from many beaches like Anse Chastanet and you can explore shallow reefs very near shore. Visit the remote sandy beach of Anse Cochon to find the Ti Kaye resort, with its 33 cottages and a great dive centre that caters to all abilities. Experienced divers can explore the Soufrière Marine Reserve along with the many ship wreck sites around the island.
One of the more popular ports of call on Southern Caribbean itineraries.
Barbados is in the Lesser Antilles, the eastern most island in the Caribbean. It is an independent British Commonwealth nation, bounded on the east by the Atlantic Ocean and on the west by the Caribbean Sea. Barbados is also a popular departure port for cruise itineraries.
This beautiful island has the highest literacy rate in the Caribbean and one of the best standards of living. In addition to the tourist based economy, Barbados has a significant manufacturing base.
Where Your Ship Docks
In Barbados cruise ships dock at the Bridgetown Cruise Terminal and free shuttles take passengers from the ships pier to the terminal building. There are lots of shops inside the terminal, public facilities and WiFi is available but not free. Walking out from the terminal is allowed and there’s a walkway into Bridgetown that runs along the waterfront and past some beautiful beaches. The distance into town center is approximately two miles. Most stores are open during the week but close at noon on Saturday and are not open on Sunday.
Wheelchair Accessibility
Disembarking – This port has cruise ship piers with a central terminal accessed by port buses so the ease of disembarking varies by the individual ships gangway designs. For passengers using wheelchairs there can be a moderate ramp incline to deal with and you will need to access buses.
Port City Area – This port has a reasonable wheelchair friendly infrastructure. The port area and nearby Bridgetown are flat with few inclines. Intersection crosswalks have few issues with curbs or other wheelchair obstacles.
Transportation
There are lots of taxies available from the Barbados cruise port area. The fares are regulated by the government but it is still important to agree on a price before the trip. The Georgetown Bus Terminal is located two blocks outside the port area, behind Pelican Village. Exact fares must be paid for bus rides and tokens can be purchased at the bus terminal. Rental cars are available but the rates are fairly steep and you will have to pay for a Barbados tourist driving license. Driving is on the left side of the road and, once you leave the city areas, many roads do not have name signs. While the main highways are modern and multi-lane, secondary roads are narrow and the major traffic intersections on the island are traffic circles and it takes some skill to get through one.
Currency
The official currency is the Barbados dollar (BBD) but US dollars (not coins) are widely accepted. The exchange rate is fixed at US $1.00 = BBD $2.00.
Bridgetown
Attractions
The Boardwalk
Beaches! There are many beautiful beaches in Barbados but the easiest one to get to from the cruise port is Boatyard Beach on Carlisle Bay. It is about a 20 minute walk from the terminal or an inexpensive taxi ride. A fee of US$20.00 is charged to use the facilities which includes a beach chair, shared umbrella, one cocktail, WIFI and free transport back to the ship.
Mount Gay Rum Distillery (web site) in Brandons, St. Michaels offers tours Monday to Friday and sometimes on Saturday. The current fee is $20.00 which includes a presentation on the rum’s history and a tasting. Tickets can be booked online.
Harrison’s Cave
The Crane Area
Harrison’s Cave (web site) in St. Thomas is a network of caves, waterfalls, lakes and streams approximately 170 feet below ground. Tours are offered daily for a fee. The area above ground is a good place to spot green monkeys.
Earthworks Pottery (web site) is located mid island in St. Thomas Parish. It is an opportunity to view local potters at work and purchase some hand made souvenirs. Closed Sunday.
George Washington House in Bush Hill welcomes visitors Monday through Saturday. It is the only place outside the United States that George Washington ever visited.
Bathsheba on the rugged Atlantic coast (eastern shore) is a great place to see surfers and enjoy a lunch at one of the local restaurants.
Bathsheba
Black Pearl Party Cruises (web site) provides a 4 hour trip on the Jolly Roger which includes a buffet lunch, swimming, snorkeling, dancing and unlimited house drinks. The price is just under $90.00 with discounts for online booking and groups.
IMPORTANT – Do not wear camouflage clothing as it is illegal in Barbados; Only smoke in designated areas; Avoid touching or standing under the big shady Manshineel Trees as they are poisonous. Most of these trees are marked in red or banded in red. Traffic drives to the left so get in the habit of looking both ways before crossing streets.
The most requested lodging facility in the National Parks, The Old Faithful Inn is a national historic landmark. Along with the historic character of the inn it is also located in the center of one of the most remarkable natural and geological locations in North America.
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Join us as we visit historic treasures, natural wonders and vibrant cities set against backdrops that are endlessly changing and visually magnificent. Celebrate a world of travel experiences with these decorating accessories that are perfect for framing.
Many Caribbean cruises include Key West, Florida as one of their ports of call. This tropical city is an American original that has cast its spell on a number of great people for more than a century. Ernest Hemingway, President Truman, Audubon, Calvin Klein, Truman Capote, Tennessee Williams and of course the once unofficial mayor of Margaritaville Jimmy Buffet, just to name a few. Many of them have left their own mark on Key West and you can still walk in their footsteps today. Hemingway’s favorite hangout was Sloppy Joe’s Bar and it still feels as if he could walk through its doors at any time. Jimmy Buffet even included his bar, Captain Tony’s in a song.
A&B Docks
As a one-day visitor take your time walking these fascinating streets, stop in for a beer to get out of the Sun and soak up history at some of its famous homes.
Where Your Ship Docks – Cruise ships dock at a pier along the waterfront right at Mallory Square in the heart of town. While there is no cruise terminal there are plenty of facilities within a short walk.
Coming out of the cruise dock area immediately to your left is the Key West Trolly and the Aquarium. Walk five blocks to the left down Front Street and you’ll pass Duval Street, home to a number of shops, bars and restaurants. Another two blocks down Front Street you will come to the A&B Docks with its array of restaurants and shops next to Key West Bight. From the ship, if you walk down Front Street in the opposite direction, it takes you past the Truman Winter White House and Whitehead Street the location of the Audubon House and the Hemingway House.
Transportation – Key West is not a very large city with the center of town just steps away. Getting to the other side of the island to the public beach is a few miles and to be honest isn’t one of Key Wests major attractions. Sightseeing is easy with the Conch Train and there’s the hop-on- hop-off Key West Trolley within three blocks of the ship. There are also a few less conventional modes of transportation available like street legal golf carts and miniature two-seaters you can rent. There’s even a miniature floating tiki bar you can rent to motor around in.
Money – The US Dollar of course and your credit cards are welcome everywhere. You’ll also find a number of convenient ATM’s and maybe even your bank has an office here.
Attractions – If your thing is history there are a number of attractions that should interest you. From the Ship Wreck Museum right near the pier to the homes of famous Americans like President Truman, Hemingway and Audubon.
Another tourist favorite is the Southern Most Point in the U.S. which is also the end of US Highway 1, it is some distance from Mallory Square but a stop on the Conch Train and Trolly.
This is the American tropics and there are a selection of water activities like snorkeling and diving trips available along with sailing excursions. Key West is also famous for shopping, seafood and bars. Pick up a pair of Keno Sandles, some hand rolled cigars and don’t forget a bottle of Key Lime Juice. Stop in for a beer at one of the cities famous watering holes like Sloppy Joe’s Bar, Ernest Hemingway’s favorite, Capitan Tony’s or Hogs Breath Saloon which is where you can buy Key West’s favorite t-shirt. There is little in the way of attractive beaches here but there are excursions down to the Dry Tortugas and the National Park and historic fort.
Key West is also famous for its sunset celebration at Mallory Square but unfortunately, because of local regulations cruise, ships must depart before sunset so as not to block the revelers sunset views.
If you are visiting Italy do not not pass up a visit to Florence, the capital of Italy’s Tuscany region. From many Italian cities, including Rome, it is easy to reach Florence by express train for an extra night or two stay. If you are cruising the port of Livorno will also provide a chance to tour Florence.
Michelangelo’s David
The city is the birthplace of the Renaissance where Michelangelo carved many of his masterpieces and where Dante Alighieri lived and the Medici family ruled. Galileo lived in Florence most of his life while Donatello, Giovanni Boccaccio and Leonardo da Vinci are also on the list of notable residents. It is difficult to stroll the narrow streets and cross the many piazzas without feeling that you are walking through history. Add that to the museums, art galleries, shops, cafes and great restaurants and it is impossible not to fall in love with Florence.
Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Flore
Last year we caught a train up from Rome and walked the few blocks from the Santa Maria Novella train station to our hotel, the Hotel Mia Cara. We enjoyed our stay at the Mia Cara and it was right on the edge of the historic center of Florence making it convenient to walk to many nearby points of interest. The famous Duomo (Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Flore), Ponte Vecchio bridge, Uffizzi Gallery, Pitti Palace and Boboli Gardens are only short strolls away. If you are an art lover and are interested in history, this is the perfect Italian destination because there is so much to see and it is mostly located in a concentrated area.
Piazza della Repubblica
Ten recommended destinations:
Gates of Paradise, Lorenzo Ghiberti (1425 – 1452) at the Museo del Opera del Duomo (originally the doors of the baptistery)
Madonna della Seggiola, Raphael (1513 – 1514) at the Pitti Palace, Palatine Gallery
The Medici Palace, Michelozzo di Bartolomeo (1445 – 1460) near the Church of San Lorenzo
The David, Michelangelo (1501 – 1504) at the Accademia (a copy is also in the Piazza Signoria)
Primavera, Sandro Botticelli (1482) at the Uffizi Galleries
The Perseus, Benvenuto Cellini (1545 – 1554) Piazza Signoria
The Florentine Pieta, Michelangelo (1547 – 1553) at the Museo del Opera del Duomo
The Slaves, Michelangelo (1525 – 1530) the Accademia
Mercato di San Lorenzo
There are a series of three walking tours detailed at the web site visitflorence.com. Walking directions are provided along with background information on the art and sites along the way and even suggestions for good places to enjoy coffee and gelato as you stroll.
Shopping opportunities are everywhere in Florence from street markets to exclusive shops. The city is famous for its’ leather as well as jewelry and embroidery. Check out bargains at the Mercato Nuovo, a leather and souvenir street market as well as Mercato di San Lorenzo for food specialties. Not to be missed is shopping on the Ponte Vecchio bridge and the small shops near the west side of the bridge.
Street vendors
Stretching between Piazza Duomo and Piazza Repubblica is Via Roma featuring Florence’s main department store, Rinascente along with Gucci, Cartier, Hugo Boss and many more premium shops. The home of Florence’s up scale designers is Via Tornabuoni. This street spotlights many of the famous fashion houses, as well as historic churches and plazas. Near Via Tornabouni, are Via Porta Rossa and Via della Vigna Nuova, offering more upscale fashion shopping.
While in Florence take time to sample la dolce vita (the good life) with frequent stops at sidewalk cafes for cappuccinos, gelato and wine. Join the Italians in their favorite pastime by sitting at cafes and watching the world go by.
Perseus
From Florence you can take a quick side trip to Pisa. It is only a short train ride away with trains leaving about every half hour or so from Santa Maria Novella train station. The Regionale Veloce trains are the ones making this trip, which takes about an hour each way with ticket prices about $10. From the station in Pisa the cathedral and the leaning tower are only a moderate hike away. There are also numerous organized day tours outside the city at reasonable rates that include a day trip by train to Cinque Terre, a beautiful seaside town south of Genoa along with bus tours into the Tuscan countryside.
The Intentional Travelers 