Tag Archives: Pullmantur

Three Money-Saving Tips for Booking a European Cruise

Update on December 2020:  Pullmantur Cruise Lines was heavily affected by COVID-19.  They are partnering with Royal Caribbean to reorganize the company but currently not offering cruise vacations.

A great way to experience the Mediterranean coast is by booking a cruise.  With so many cruise lines providing itineraries of The Med, I have provided some tips that should help point you in the right direction.  So don’t delay and and book your next unforgettable vacation.

Tip #1:  Try a wholesale online cruise provider.  My go-to website for inexpensive cruises is vacationstogo.com.  My favorite part of this site is the 90-Day Ticker for last minute cruises at a discounted rate.  Just select the information provided under “Find a Bargain” to assist you in locating the type of cruise that suits you.  Once you have entered the appropriate data, the site will list the cruises that meet your criteria.  To sign up for this service, all that is required is your email address and then you will have a variety of cruises at your disposal.

Have you heard of Pullmantur, Fred Olsen or Costa cruise lines?  These are just a few of the international companies that offer fabulous cruise itineraries with headquarters located in Europe.  Which brings me to…

Tip #2: Don’t limit yourself to US-based cruise ships!

I was able to save a significant amount of money on a European cruise from a company based in Barcelona.  The catch?  Well, the primary language of the ship was Spanish, but all announcements are then followed up in English.  So bring out your adventurous side and practice your Spanish skills.  Another bonus for booking with an international-based company is that beer, wine and mixed drinks may be included in the price of your cruise which also means no extra  surprises when settling your bar bill.

So you have found the perfect itinerary.  You love all of the ports of call, but you really wish you could spend more time in one port versus another.  No problem!

Tip #3:  Did you know that you may be able to board the ship in another city or country other than the primary embarkation location?  I recently cruised aboard the Pullmantur Sovereign with an itinerary that originated in Barcelona, but since I had already spent time here, I really wanted to spend more time in Rome.  So, on the day of embarkation,  I was surprised to learn that I was only 1 of 100 that boarded the ship that day….no lines and no waiting.  I would highly recommend checking this out.

Booking a cruise through the Mediterranean can leave you wondering where to start, but using a tip or two provided here may relieve some of your stress.  I have recently written a couple of posts about my first time trip to Rome, so check it out.  I have also covered the remaining ship’s itinerary in posts which include the ports of Barcelona, Livorno (tour to Pisa and Lucca), Naples (the Amalfi Coast), and Villafranche (Monaco and Monte Carlo)!

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An Afternoon Wine Tasting in Tuscany

During a fall trip to the Mediterranean, I was looking forward to visiting the Tuscany region of Italy.  I had booked a seven-day cruise on the Pullmantur Sovereign and decided to experience the rolling hills of vineyards on an excursion sponsored by the ship.  The opportunity to sample the Italian wines outside of Florence was an unforgettable experience and from that point forward, I became fascinated by the wines of Italy from Chianti to Sangiovese.

The day was absolutely beautiful for a morning in Pisa then a short bus ride to the Tuscan region of Lucca.  Famous for its wine and spectacular countryside, vineyards of Semillon and Pinot Bianco grapes surrounded us as the bus arrived at Fattoria il Poggio.

Fattoria means “farm” in Italian and the il Poggio is what the Italians refer to as an agritourismo, otherwise known as a farm stay.  Farm stays are  perfect for guests who are interested in immersing themselves in the local culture based in an agricultural setting. In most cases, the restaurants at a fattoria will incorporate the “farm to table” concept using its own fresh produce and meats.

With voracious appetites, we were eager to sample the local wines as well as the olive oil produced by the farm.  This beautiful eco-tourismo exports seven red and white wines as well as a variety of olive oils and balsamic vinegar.

We arrived to elegantly prepared tables draped in white linen tablecloths where empty wine glasses patiently waited to be filled.  Our host welcomed us to Fattoria il Poggio as servers filled our tables with copious bottles of wine and antipasti.  I could not wait to indulge in the estate wines, snack on locally prepared meats and cheeses and enjoy some of the finest ingredients organically grown at the farm.

The hospitality at Fattoria il Poggio was exceptional, the scenery mesmerizing and the food was more than outstanding.  Enjoying the generous portions set before us, we learned so much about the daily farm activities as well as how their products are made.

The wine pours were flowing and there were plenty of meats, cheeses, bread and olives.  Served family style, I can assure you that no one left hungry and not a drop of wine was left in the bottles.  What an amazing way to spend the afternoon.

We were offered six wines to sample as well as the wide range of items produced at the farm.  Fattoria Il Poggio has been making high quality wines since 1845 as well as growing fruits and medicinal herbs.  These items were available for purchase at the gift shop where other wine related souvenir items were sold as well.

A day in Tuscany is certainly not enough time to visit the region of remarkable wines which has made such an impact on the country’s culture.  With seven World Heritage Sites and endless charming villages, this area is one of the most visited in Italy.

Should guests decide to book a stay at Fattoria il Poggio, luxury  accommodations include such amenities as WiFi, satellite TV, floor heating, a private spa and a rooftop pool.  Additional services include local tours,  onsite events and cooking classes.  The il Poggio is the ideal location for wedding ceremonies, anniversaries and other monumental celebrations.

I absolutely love the idea of supporting local families and booking a stay at an agritourismo.  With first class service, outstanding amenities and fabulous produce, Fattoria il Poggio is the perfect farm stay for a future visit to Tuscany.

Are you a wine lover?  Have you visited a winery that you absolutely loved?  Or do you have the experience of staying at an agritourismo?   I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. And if you have visited Lucca and can recommend other wineries, I would love to hear about your favorites as well.  Many thanks for reading about my wine tasting in Lucca and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Fattoria il Poggio
Via S. Piero, 39
55015, Montecarlo LU, Italy
Phone:  +39 0583 22088

Where to Stay:

Fattoria il Poggio
Via S. Piero, 39
55015, Montecarlo LU, Italy
Phone:  +39 0583 22088

Where to Eat:

Fattoria il Poggio
Via S. Piero, 39
55015, Montecarlo LU, Italy
Phone:  39 0583 22088

Fattoria il Poggio’s Menu

During our wine tasting, we sampled various delicious Antipasti dishes.

What to Eat: 

  • Bistecca alla Fiorentina is a T-bone steak with the filet on one side and sirloin on the other.
  • Cacciucco is a fish soup dish from the port towns of Livorno and Viareggio.
  • Castagnaccio is a cake made from chestnut flour.
  • Crostini Toscani is bread topped with chopped liver sauce.
  • Lampredotto sandwich is made from the fourth stomach of a cow served in broth and served with a spicy sauce.
  • Lardo di Colonnata is cured pork meat.
  • Panzanella is a bread soup served cold made from bread, tomatoes, onion, basil, olive oil and vinegar.
  • Pappa al pomodoro is a simple soup made of tomatoes, garlic, and basil leaves served with stale bread.
  • Ribollita is a soup made with cabbage, beef, carrots and onion.

What to Read:

  • A Culinary Traveller in Tuscany,  by Beth Elon
  • A Thousand Days in Tuscany, by Marlena de Blasi
  • A Vineyard in Tuscany: A Wine Lover’s Dream, by Ferenc Mate
  • Every Day in Tuscany, Seasons of an Italian Life, by Frances Mayes
  • Not in a Tuscan Villa, by John and Nancy Petralla
  • The Agony and the Ecstacy, by Irving Stone
  • Under the Tuscan Sun, by Frances Mayes
  • War in Val D’Orica: An Italian War Diary, 1943 – 1944, by Iris Origo

Photo Guide for Tuscany:

Here are some amazing locations to photograph Tuscany, Italy:

  • Florence:
    • Canonici Palace
    • Florence Baptistry
    • Florence Cathedral
    • Florence Skyline:  view from Palazzo Vecchio
    • Il Duomo
    • Marcampo
    • Michelangelo’s David statue
    • Montalcino Street
    • Palazzo Strozzi
    • Perano Castle
    • Piazalle Michelangelo
    • Piaza del Duomo
    • Pienza
    • Ponte Vecchio
    • The Streets of Florence
    • Uffizi Gallery
    • Volpaia
  • Pisa
    • The Leaning Tower
    • Marina
  • Tuscany
    • Abbazia San Galgano
    • Abbey of Sant’Antimo
    • Agritourismos
    • Basilica di Santa Magherita
    • Cappella della Madonna di Vitaleta
    • Carrara Marble Quarry
    • Castel Boccale
    • Chianti
    • Cortona
    • Crete Senesi
    • Firenze – the Arno River from the Ponte Santa Trinita
    • Monte Divalli
    • Montepulciano
    • Monticchiello – Strada dei Cipressi
    • Palazzo Pitti
    • Pitigliano
    • Podere Belvedere countryside in the Val D’Orcia
    • Poggio Covilli d’Asso
    • San Gimignano
    • San Giovanni
    • Seminario Maggiore
    • Siena – view from the Torre del Mangio
    • Terranuova Bracciolini
    • Tuscan Tunnel
    • Volterra
  • Wineries
    • Avignonisi
    • Barone Ricasoli
    • Capezanna
    • Castello Banfi
    • Castello di Ama
    • Castiglion del Bosco
    • Poggio al Casone
    • Poggio Antico

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Cruising the Pullmantur Sovereign- COMPANY CLOSED

UPDATE:  During the COVID Pandemic, Pullmantur announced liquidation of the company.  As of November 2020, the company stated that it would be up and running again by the end of 2021.

Having come off of a whirlwind two-day visit to Rome, I boarded the Pullmantur Sovereign for a seven day cruise through the Mediterranean.  The spectacular itinerary included some of the most beautiful sites the Med coast has to offer.  With a full week of excursions, I could just sit back, relax and enjoy the cruise.

Pullmantur is a cruise line based out of Spain and is very popular with the Europeans.  The primary language on board is Spanish, but announcements are followed up in English. This piqued my interest along with the fact that alcoholic beverages are included in the price of the cruise.  I had learned about the company while searching for a cruise on the Vacations to Go website and booked it immediately.

So why did I choose Pullmantur?  First there was the itinerary of course, but having checked the cost of cruises in the Mediterranean, I found this to be quite economical at US $349 for 7 days (not including port fees and taxes).  AMAZING!  In addition, the price for my roundtrip ticket to Rome was only $850 so I could not pass up the opportunity and knew that I was going to have the time of my life.

Travel Tip:   I took this cruise in late September, which is considered off-season.  The weather is still quite warm and the children have all gone back to school by this time.  

My journey began in Rome where I had a couple of days to wander the ancient ruins, historical museums and religious places of worship.  It was my first time in The Eternal City, so to be honest, I was slightly overwhelmed.  I had booked the hop on, hop off bus because I knew it would be an economical way to explore the sites costing me only $50. The bus route listed a number of stops where the main attractions were within a couple of blocks.  I was able to step off of the bus for an hour or two, return back to the drop off location and reboard at my convenience.

The day of my cruise had arrived and I had hired a car to take me to Civitivecchia, which lasted approximately 45 minutes.  Upon arrival at the port, I was pleasantly surprised that there were no long check-in lines.  Within minutes, I had passed through security, boarded the ship and dropped off my luggage in my room.  When I inquired how the process of embarkation could be completed so quickly, I learned that Barcelona was the originating port.  Rome had less than 100 passengers boarding on that day and I was excited to start my adventure.

To learn more about my adventures in Rome, check out my following blog posts!

Visiting Rome – Day 1
My First Trip to Rome – Day 2
St. Peter’s Basilica
St Peter’s Square
The Roman Forum
Palatine Hill
Capitoline Hill
From Piazza Popolo to the Spanish Steps

Next stop Livorno!

Livorno is a port town located in the northern region of Italy.  It is the perfect location for day trips to Florence, Tuscany and the colorful villages along the coast like Portofino.  There are several tours that operate from the ship and I selected the Pisa and Tuscan Wines tour.  If I had the opportunity to cruise this ship again, I would definitely choose the Coast of Cinque Terre and Porvenere! There were so many great options!  To hear about my exciting day in Pisa and Lucca, check out my following blog posts for some great information about these two spectacular locations!

Pisa and Its Leaning Tower
An Afternoon Wine Tasting in Tuscany

Additional excursions from the ship:

  • Florence and Pisa: This excursion includes a guided tour of the Renaissance city of Florence with stops that include the Cathedral of Santa Maria dei Fiori, the Ponte Vecchio bridge and Piazza della Signora.  The next stop on the tour is Pisa to see the famous Leaning Tower and to roam the Piazza dei Miracoli.  The cost per adult is 85 Euros.
  • The Best of Florence begins in the historic center with views of the Piazza da Santa Croce and the Ponte Vecchio. Visit the Uffizi  Gallery with some of the world’s most famous art by renowned Renaissance artists such as Leonardo Da Vinci and Michelangelo.
  • Lucca the Fortress City: Explore the wonderful city of Lucca that dates back to the Roman period of 180 BC.  The guided tour includes a visit to the Old Quarter, San Michele de Foro, the Guinigi family tower, a Roman amphitheater and the Cathedral of San Martino.  The cost for this tour is 38 Euros.
  • The Coast of Cinque Terre & Portvenere: For 77 Euros per person, a bus will take visitors to Manarola, which is the oldest of the Cinque Terre villages.  Take a tour of the area and then a boat ride to Vernazza.  From here, catch the ferry to Monterosso where lunch will be served with time to explore the town and shop. Another scenic boat ride will take passengers to Portovenere until returning back to the ship in Livorno.
  • Italian Pasta Experience: The coach will take you to Lucca where a tour guide will give you an overview of the beautifully walled city.  See the narrow streets while visiting the churches of San Frediano and San Michele. There will be plenty of time to wander before visiting Pisa.  Learn how to make pasta and of course, there will be plenty to sample.  The cost for this tour is 188 Euros per person.
  • Florence and Wine Tasting in a Tuscan Castle: Take a 90 minute bus tour through Renaissance Florence before arriving at the Piazza della Santa Croce.  Here there will be an opportunity to see street performers and shop among the traditional craft shops in the village.  After a 45 minute ride, arrive in Greve at one of the main castles where a traditional Tuscan lunch will be served, and of course plenty of wine.

Our next stop on the itinerary was Villafranche, France.  I remember the beautiful, subdued hues of this cozy port town and wished I had the additional time to visit the relaxing cafes along the harbor.

I opted to book the Monaco and Monte Carlo bus trip which was panoramic, pristine and posh.   To learn more about my visit to Monaco, check out the following post!

The Beautiful French Riviera:  Villafranche and Monte Carlo

Some of the other excursions available were:

  • Nice – Eze: Take a coach tour to Nice and walk the famous “Promenade des Anglais”. Check out the Hotel Negresco before taking a guided tour through the old part of the city.  The medieval village of Eze is one of the most picturesque villages of the Cote d’Azure located high on a hilltop with amazing views of the coast.  Stop by one of the famous perfumery’s which is known for its amazing scents.  The tour is 45 Euros per person.
  • Nice and Saint Paul de Vence: In addition to visiting the famous beachfront of Nice, this tour also includes a walk through the medieval village of Saint Paul de Vence. Considered two of the most picturesque locations in the French Riviera, go from walking the beach to exploring cobblestone streets with a rich history. The cost for this tour is 39 Euros per person
  • Mountain Village of Eze and Nice Wine Tasting: For only 69 Euros per person, take a visit to the medieval mountain village of Eze and then on to Nice, famous for its Promenade des Anglais.  Enjoy Provencal wines with a professional oenologist.
  • Dream Villas in the Blue Coast: Explore the luxurious peninsula at Saint Jean Cap Ferrat and visit the one time residence of baroness Rothschild to wander the home and gardens. The bus tour takes the coastal drive back to Villafranche where million dollar homes line the coast.   This tour costs 50 Euros per person.
  • A Tasting Tour of Nice: Visit the local fresh market and sample its produce on this guided tour of Nice.  Visit the Old Town district with its Baroque buildings and neo-classic colonnades.  Try some of the local specialties such as pissaladiere or socca.  The tour allows for some free time to wander about the Old Town for some shopping or a cup of coffee.  This tour costs 90 Euros per adult.

I had been waiting for the day when our ship reached Barcelona.  I was so excited to see all of the architecture and to stroll the street of Las Ramblas.

I had decided that instead of booking an excursion with the ship, I would go out on my own and purchase the Hop On Hop Off bus tour.  Unfortunately, the weather did not cooperate and there was a torrential downpour.  I was determined to make the most of my time in Barcelona where was able to visit the Boqueria market, the Sagrada Familia, Palau Guell and Parc Guell.  I wished I had more time in Barcelona because there were so many interesting points of interest, that I will need to make plans for a future trip!

The ship offers its own wonderful share of excursions for Barcelona to include:

  • A Tour of Barcelona: See the architectural wonders of Antonio Gaudi by visiting the ever changing Sagrada Familia.    This tour is perfect for the price at 29 Euros.  Check out the popular Gothic Quarter, shop and visit the cathedral.  The tour includes a stop at Montjuic, which overlooks the city and was once the sight of the Olympic Games.
  • Barcelona Highlights and Jamon Tasting: Starting in the Gothic Quarter, see the medieval side of Barcelona’s historical buildings.  Stroll Las Ramblas, the main thoroughfare that runs north and south through the city.  Enjoy a ham tasting sampling three different types as you sip on a glass of cava. Complete the tour with a visit the to ever so vibrant Boqueria market.  All of this for only 39 Euros per person.

Day Four was spent at sea as we sailed toward Tunisia.  The following day, we arrived at the port of Tunis.  Weeks before cruising to Tunisia, the US embassy was attacked and it was recommended that Americans should not disembark while in port.  We took heed to their warning and stayed aboard, but if I had the opportunity, I would have loved to have seen the city of Carthage and the village of Sidi Bou Said, which is said to look much like a Greek village with its whitewashed buildings accented in blue.

According to the brochure on the ship, “Sidi Bou Said is perched high atop of a cliff overlooking the Mediterranean, this picturesque village is a delightful place for a leisurely stroll through winding cobbled streets. Wander around the boutiques for souvenirs or relax at a cliff-side Moorish café”. Sounds exciting!

UPDATE:  The ship no longer travels to Tunisia due to the heightened safety alert to visit this country.

It was Day Five and we were visiting the Italian city of Naples.  Besides having its own historical significance, there are some great locations close by that are truly worth exploring. I selected Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast but making my decision was not an easy one when tours to Capri and Ischia were also offered.

  • Panoramic Tour of Pompeii and Naples: Check out one of the most fascinating archaeological sites in all of the world, Pompeii. Back in Naples, visit the Posillipo neighborhood, the Mergellina district and the great seaside promenade. Take the opportunity to visit the Ovo castle in the charming district of Santa Lucia and explore the busy fisherman’s neighborhood.  The tour costs 49 Euros per adult.
  • Pompei & Vesuvius: Pompeii was devastated by the explosion of Mt. Vesuvius in 49AD.  Pompeii is now an archaeological site and Vesuvius a national park.  Take an hour long city bus tour of Naples before reaching these sites.     The tour costs 89 Euros per person.
  • Capri: Catch a Jet-Foil boat ride from the port of Marina Grande through the Bay of Naples.  Hop on a ship that will take you around the island before heading back to port.  Catch the minibus to Capri’s Piazetta where there will be plenty of time to stroll the city’s famous white streets.  This tour is well worth the 89 Euros per adult. (If the weather does not cooperate, the excursion will head over to the town of Anacapri).
  • Tour of Naples: Stroll the Piazza del Plebiscito where you will discover Castles, Galleries and an Opera House.  There will be time on your own before visiting the San Gennaro Duomo.  Continue to the tour with stops at Mergellina, Via Caracciolo and the Ovo Castle.   You can’t beat this price at 34 Euros per adult.
  • Relaxing Ischia: This is a perfect excursion for 85 Euros per adult. Reach the island quickly by hydrofoil for a visit to Ischia, the largest isle on the Gulf of Naples. Famous for its hot springs, the tour coach also takes you through the municipalities of Ischia, Barano, Serrara Fontana (for wine sampling) and Forio (for a local meal).  Walk through the Castiglione Gardens at Lacco Ameno and or visit the town of Casamicciola. This tour include the spa facilities at the gardens which include 10 different pools, and two saunas, whirlpools and a platform that gives you the opportunity to swim in the sea surrounding the island.

I had one last day in Rome but since I was staying close to the airport, I decided to stay near the hotel.  The ship offered quite a few options in Rome, including:

  • A Full Roman Excursion: Check out some of the most iconic spots in Rome which include, the Vatican City, Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel.  Stand in awe in front of Michelangelo’s Pieta and then it’s time for lunch.  Hop on the bus for a sightseeing tour to see the Colosseum, Palatine Hill, Circus Maximus and Mussolini’s balcony,   The tour cost is only 85 Euros per adult.
  • Eternal Rome and Imperial: Start in the Vatican  City to visit St. Peter’s Basilica and the square.  Take a walk to the Trevi Fountain and then after lunch, check out the Piazza Navona.  Before completing the tour, drop by the Roman Forum and see the exterior of the Colosseum. All of this for only 64 Euros per person.
  • Etruscan Secrets. See the secret Etruscan tombs and the Tarquinia Museum for only 59 Euros per person. The tombs are located in Monterozziune and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  Venture into the city to view the Roman church of San Francisco and the XIII century palace.
  • Tivoli and Hadrian’s Villa: Dating back to the second century, Villa Adriana was the home of Emperor Hadrian and is now a World Heritage Site. Some of the features of the house include a Greek theater, spas and baths, a maritime theater and the Golden Piazza, a residential complex.  Next, visit Villa Este with gardens that are fit for a king.  Check out the Alley of the Hundred Fountains. This is an exceptional tour and will set you back 115 Euros per adult.

The Pullmantur Sovereign was the perfect ship for my Mediterranean trip.  Having worked on ships for over three years,  I remember my cruise ship days as if it were yesterday.  I was especially fond of the “Sail Away” events where I could watch passengers enjoy the start of their cruise setting sail for its first destination.  It have to admit, I wasn’t going to pass up the opportunity for a Bon Voyage drink!!

Have you cruised with Pullmantur?  I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Many thanks for your interest in my trip with Pullmantur!  Happy Travels!