DH and I are on the Silvesea Spirit on Sept 25-Oct 2nd; Lisbon, Cadiz, Malaga, Barcelona, Marsaille and Nice.
I am a bit puzzled about the excursions that are offered by the cruise line that involve arriving at the port and then travelling anywhere from 45 minutes to 3 hours to get to another destination. I have never been to any of these ports, except Barcelona, and am wondering if these ports are not worthy of exploring on their own merit? Should I be looking at these extended trips beyond the ports?
DH and I are very happy to walk around and explore a city, have a sit down and watch people while having a glass of wine, and poking around winding streets and stores. I thought that's what we would do at these ports, but now am wondering if the cruise line knows something I don't otherwise why so many options to LEAVE the port?
Any ideas or suggetions?? Thanks!
Silversea Cruise: Go Beyond the Port?
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We found Barcelona, Lisbon, and Cadiz very easy and enjoyable to tour on our own.
Lisbon is more than enough for one day of sight seeing. The city walking tour was terrific.
Not much at Malaga. Mostly the interest is the Alhambra in Granada. If you haven't been to the Alhambra then that is a trip you should take.
Cadiz is small with not a lot to see. We took a train and bus to Arcos de la Frontera, one of the Andalusian hill towns. A great trip and off the beaten path by a few miles.