Going to Mediterranean - any suggestions?

[s_wilwerding]

I'm leaving for a cruise next week that goes from Barcelona to Marseille & Nice in France to Livorno & Rome & Naples in Italy, then back to Barcelona. I'm doing the full day Rome thing, and going on tours of Marseille and Monaco, but my days in Barcelona, Livorno/Pisa, and Naples are free. Anyone have ideas as to what I should do in those places?

I'm staying along the Ramblas in Barcelona - anyone know of that, or what I should see nearby?

Thanks.

[jriera]

Born and raise in Barcelona .. what do you need to know? what do you like/want to do? how many days (or I should say nights) in Barcelona?

[djmcmath]

When you pull in at Naples, skip the town of Naples entirely -- too many pick-pockets, and fundamentally just like any big city anywhere. Instead, go check out Pompei. Bring water, 'coz if it's hot and sunny, it'll get pretty uncomfortable in a hurry. If you have a little time, do some research on the place before you go, then wander around on your own (no tour group) and take pictures.

Figure 4 hours for Pompei, then hop the train down to Sorrento, to the south. Check out the local wood inlays, get coffee at Mimi's (if they're open), enjoy some absolutely incredible locally made pizza, then watch the sunset over Mt. Vesuvius and Naples. You'll note, oddly, that there are no pickpockets on the Pompei-Sorrento train.

Cheers,

Dan

[cowtown]

Agree with Dan - Naples is kind of like an Italian Cleveland. Pompei is awesome. Try to take a tour with someone who knows the history if you can. Not necessarily a tour group, but the guys who are there to talk. Pisa is OK, but I had more fun wandering around the town than looking at the tower (which was closed for seismic reinforcement the last couple times). The casino at Monaco now charges about $20 just to get in to see, so we skipped that and walked along the F1 course. Car and people watching are incredible, and the park outside the casino has some really neat sculptures.

[MFAFF]

In Barcelona...let me see now...

Picasso Museum,
Barcleona Pavilion, at Montjuic Park...possibly the best Modern Building ever, even if what's there is a recreation,

A few Gaudi Buildings plus the Cathedral...

Martime Musem

Parc Guell...Gaudi's amd mad park.. brilliant.

Bario Gothico...the old town with a real happening atmosphere..
Plus the night life...

[}{arlequin]

I agree, do Pompei, but I think you get more out of it if you have someone knowledgeable tell you more about it. I would have missed so many interesting details w/o a guide (look at the "roads" in/into Pompei, you'll see white rocks scattered/inlaid w/ the other cobblestones, they were used to help navigate the road at night etc.)

Near Naples, there's also a Cameo engraving facility- lots of artisans. wanna surprise your wife/gf? Research them, and send them a headshot pic of the girl, they'll make a necklece of the image... pick it up w/ her there (a good night is pretty much guaranteed )

If you'd really like to feel like you're in paradise, hop on the 1/2 hour boat ride to Capri. (several trips daily)Very idyllic and isolated, yet with all the great things about southern Italy. Food, plantlife, peaceful village/bay... prepare to relax. You have a great view of the volcano from the water as well as the mansions hidden away atop the island as you approach it.

Try not to stare at the model-look-a-likes in Monaco, or don't get caught

[s_wilwerding]

Thanks everybody! Unfortunately, I'll only be in Barcelona for 24 hours (8:00 AM to 8:00 AM). Mainly looking for things to do near the ocean or near Las Ramblas (which is like a main thoroughfare, as I understand it). Since we'll be hitting the tours pretty heavily the other days, I'd like to relax and do my own things on the other days. Capri sounds good - are there any beaches near Pisa?

[jriera]

Only 24 hours ...

What MFAF said plus, start from the top of the Paseig de Gracia (mountain side), pick a bar (any bar) for breakfast, if you feel like ask for a 'carajillo' (expresso and brandy). On your way down Paseig de Gracia aside from some fine shopping you will find several Gaudi-designed buildings (La Pedrera, etc.). Stop by Plaza Catalunya and feed the pigeons, take the Ramblas and make sure to drink water at the Canaletas fountain (just to make sure you will go back to Barcelona). Just relax and enjoy The Ramblas, my favorite pastime when I go back is just to sit down and watch people. Try to see if The Liceo (opera house) is open to visitors

All the recommendations that MFAF give you are walking distance except for the Parc Guell (a nice cab ride), traffic can be very bad.

Night life is just plan crazy, you can go from Friday to Monday without having to leave any bar .. a good hang-over 'cure' will be 'chocolate con churros', several specialized places around the Ramblas.

One advice, be street saavy, the North-sea side of the Ramblas is not a very safe place, nothing like Ney York but not as safe as other places, also beware of pickpockets and peddlers.

Have a ton of fun!!

[jriera]

PS. Do not miss 'cava' (local sparkling wine), sample as many tapas as you can (almost any place is good) and try 'pan con tomate y jamon serrano' (tomato toasted bread with serrano ham)

[666]

When you get away from the tourist areas, talk to the locals about whatever intertests you. History is what I like. And the folks love to talk about thier country.