Here We Come! | Carnival Miracle
12-day Mediterranean Cruise from Italy

🎟️ Table of Contents🎟️

• Before Your Go
• DG Venice and Orvietto Pre-Cruise
• Day 1 (CG) 🛫Wed. 8/20/25 | Cerchio Group Departure
• Day 2 (CG) 🛬Thu. 8/21/25 | Cerchio Group Arrival in Naples
  • 🏨 Hotel La Bussola, Amalfi – 1st Night
  • Amalfi Heaven Gardens Cooking Class, 3 pm.
• Day 3 (CG)🏨 Hotel La Bussola, Amalfi – 2nd Night
  • Private Boat, Amalfi Coast and Capri
• Day 4 🏨 Hotel La Bussola, Amalfi – 3rd Night
• Day 5 🚙Transfer by Private Van to Civitavecchia
  • 🛎️Hotel de la Ville 1 Night
• Pre-cruise | Train from Rome and Fiumicino to Civitavecchia Port
• Pre-cruise | Sun. 08/24/25 | Civitavecchia Hotel de la Villr- overnight stay
• Cruise Day 1 | Mon. 08/25/25 | Embark Civitavecchia (port of Rome)
• Cruise Day 2 | Tue. 08/26/25 | Fun Day at Sea
• Cruise Day 3 | Wed. 08/27/25 | Katakolon (Olympia)
  • 🎟️Olympia Full Day Private Tour- Cerchio Group
  • 🎟️Olympia Full Day Private Tour- Davis Group
• Cruise Day 4 | Thu. 08/28/25 | Fun Day at Sea
• Cruise Day 5 | Fri. 08/29/25 | Kavala (Neapolis)
• Cruise Day 6 | Sat. 08/30/25 | Istanbul
  • 🎟️Istanbul City Tour & Bosphorus Sightseeing Cruise with Lunch- Cerchio Group
• Cruise Day 7 | Sun. 08/31/25 | Fun Day at Sea
• Cruise Day 8 | Mon. 09/01/25 | Kusadasi (Ephesus), Turkey
  • 🎟️Private Tour Bus Provided by Cerchio Travel
• Cruise Day 9 | Tue. 09/02/25 | Mykonos [Excursions]
  • 🎟️ CG Sightseeing with a Mykonian Private Tour, 10 am
• Cruise Day 10 | Wed. 09/03/25 | Piraeus (Athens) 🧭
  • 🎟️ DG Carnival Crossing the Corinth Excursion 7:15 am
  • 🎟️ CG Highlights of Athens 8 Hours 8:30 am
• Cruise Day 11 | Thu. 09/04/25 | Fun Day at Sea
• Cruise Day 12 | Fri. 09/05/25 | Naples (Amalfi/Pompeii)
  • 🎟️DG- Pompeii and Herculaneum Private Excursion
  • 🎟️CG- Herculaneum Private Excursion
• Cruise Day 13 | Sat. 09/06/25 | Arrive and Disembark at Civitavecchia
  • Post-Cruise One Night in Rome – BW Hotel President
• Return Home | Sun. 9/7/25

Other Information

• Currency Exchange | Using ATMs | Currency Converter $ ↔ €
• Packing Guide and Products
  • Tips from Carnival
  • Carnival Laundry Service
• Carnival Trip Protection vs Allianz Group Policy
  • Carival Miracle on
• Viator Worry-Free Shore Excursions
• Carnival Managed Excursions
• Mimmo Taxi- Amalfi Coast Transportation
• Travel by Train: Trenitalia
  • Luggage Tips
• Transportation to Rome Hotels from Train Station
• Using the Rome Metro (subway) | Tap & Go Payments
• Wine Windows of Florence
• Claiming your VAT refund prior to departure
• Cellular Service in Italy
• Vince’s Family in Amalfi
• Rome 2025 Jubilee Year

AIRFARE

CG Day 1 🛫 Wed.. 8/20/25
Cerchio Group Departure

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CG Day 2 🛬Thu. 8/21/25 🍋 Amalfi
Cerchio Group Arrival in Naples

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CG Private Transfer 🚙 19 Passenger Van
Naples Airport to Amalfi 🍋 Hotel La Bussola

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🎟️ Amalfi Heaven Gardens at 3 pm

Arriving from Amalfi

• ​​​On foot: Take a nice walk of about 20 minutes in the direction of Positano and up the stairs from the road. Gardens entrance is on the right, in front of G.A.S. Bar.
• By bus: Take a bus in the direction of Sorrento, Agerola or Pogerola and ask the driver to be dropped off at G.A.S. Bar. The journey takes just 3 minutes. We are just up the stairs in front of G.A.S. Bar. Tickets CANNOT be bought on board; you need to buy them before to get on the bus. Bus schedules can be checked on sitasudtrasporti.it/orari (select Campania).

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CG Day 3 🍋Fri. 8/22/25 🍋 Amalfi
Hotel La Bussola🏨2nd Night

Private Boat with Skipper and Visit to Grottos and Capri

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Marina Lo Smeraldino (@marinalosmeraldino)

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CG Day 4 🍋Sat. 8/23/25 🍋 Amalfi
Hotel La Bussola🏨3rd Night

OPTION

Master the art of Italian pizza-making with this hands-on experience, starting with a visit to traditional terraced gardens to explore fresh local ingredients. Under the guidance of an expert pizzaiolo, learn the secrets of perfect dough, how to stretch it by hand, and craft traditional Neapolitan-style pizza. Bake it to perfection in a wood-fired oven, then sit down to enjoy your homemade pizza with a stunning sea view.

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CG Day 5➡️Depart Amalfi

🚙Transfer by Private Van to Civitavecchia

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Cruise Only

Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025. 🛩️Depart Cincinnati (CVG)
For those choosing to cruise only, arrival should be planned for Sunday, August 24, 2025.

Arrival at Rome Fiumicino Airport and Transfer to Port Hotel

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Sunday, Aug. 24, 2025 🛬 Arrive Rome (FCO)

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The Port of Civitavecchia (video guide)

• There are several ways to travel from Rome Fiumicino Airport to Civitavecchia:
  • Train: Take a train from Fiumicino Aeroporto to Civitavecchia via Roma Trastevere. The journey takes approximately 1 hour and 50 minutes. (Trenitalia video guide)
  • Bus: Alternatively, you can take a bus or a combination of bus and train. The total travel time varies but is generally around 1 hour and 27 minutes.
  • Taxi or Private Transfer: If you prefer a more direct option, consider taking a taxi or arranging a private transfer.

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Train to Civitavecchia Cruise Port (video guide)

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Overnight Stay 🏨 Hotel de La Ville, Civitavecchia

Sunday, Aug. 24, 2025 – Monday, Aug. 25, 2025

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Viator Worry Free Shore Excursions

Viator Terms and Conditions – Worry-free Excursions

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CRUISE DAY 1 | Monday 08/25/25 | Civitavecchia
Depart Civitavecchia 7 pm

We are staying overnight in the seaport of Civitavecchia, known as Rome’s cruise port. The hotel is near the cruise port. It is five minutes by taxi, or a 20 minute walk.

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CRUISE DAY 2 | Tue. 08/26/25 | FUN DAY AT SEA

No port today! It’s a great time to explore your ship and its exciting entertainment, food and activities! Or take it easy at the pool, spa, or… if you book a room with a balcony, enjoy the waves.

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CRUISE DAY 3 | Wed. 08/27/25 | Katakolon (Olympia)
Arrival 9 am – Departure 6 pm

A short distance from the fishing village and seaport of Katakolon you’ll find Olympia, where lies arguably the most important location in all of sports. It’s the site of the original Olympic Games, which went on for nearly 1,200 years, every four years, until a Roman emperor banned them in A.D. 393. The discarded ruins were uncovered only about 150 years ago — and today, Olympia’s importance is much better understood. It’s actually been declared a national park! There’s so much history on display in Olympia at the original sites, such as the Temple of Zeus, the Olympic Stadium and the Olympia Archaeological Museum, which features fine sculptures such as the “Winged Victory” statue of Nike. (Did you know she was the Greek goddess of victory?)

Information on the port.

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We are taking a private, full-day shore excursion of Olympia—known as one of the most important archaeological sites in Greece. Included is round-trip transport from Katakolon Port. After exploring the Archaeological Site of Olympia independently, we will be visiting a local honey farm, winery, monastery, and beyond (entry/tasting fees at your own expense).

🏛️ Olympia Day Tour Overview

Once we arrive in Olympia, our team will assist you in purchasing entrance tickets to the archaeological site and museum. Admission is €20 per adult, while children under 18 enter free.

Please note: This tour does not include a licensed guide for the interior of the Olympia site or museum. Instead, our tour escort will provide basic historical context along with insights into the local area, culture, and people. To support your self-guided exploration, we’ll also be provided a booklet/brochure with helpful information.

🚪 Meeting Point

A guide will be waiting at the main port gate near the blue sign that reads: “Port of Katakolo: John Latsis”, holding a sign with our group name. (map)

The honey farm fee is 10 euros per person, and the winery 20 euros.

Read more about – Olympia – Full day Tour

Click here to view worry-free excursions.

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CRUISE DAY 4 | Thu. 08/28/25 | FUN DAY AT SEA

No port today! It’s a great time to explore your ship and its exciting entertainment, food and activities! Or take it easy at the pool, spa, or… if you book a room with a balcony, enjoy the waves.

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CRUISE DAY 5 | Fri. 08/29/25 | Kavala (Neapolis)
Arrival 7 am – Departure 4 pm

If you weren’t actually you but instead were the city of Kavala in northern Greece, did you know that you’d be about 2,500 years old and a pretty big deal back in your day? But since you’re looking for a vacation and Kavala is an amazing destination, why not just visit and see for yourself? So way back then, Kavala pretty much sat right between the eastern and western worlds, and a major trade route brought all sorts of people into town, bringing with them influences you can still see and visit, from a medieval fortress to mosques and even the dramatic Roman aqueduct towering high overhead. The tobacco trade also looms surprisingly large in the city’s 19th-century history, with an actual tobacco museum offering a window into this time in the city’s life.
Click here to view worry-free excursions.

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CRUISE DAY 6 | Sat. 08/30/25 | ISTANBUL
Arrival 9 am – Departure 10 pm

Sail up the Bosphorus Strait… with Europe on one side of the ship and Asia on the other! Choose sides as you follow in the footsteps of Byzantine emperors, Ottoman sultans, and modern fashionistas on your cruise to Istanbul. This is Turkey’s commercial capital, and its glittering palaces and mosaic-filled mosques line the shores, welcoming you with a cheery “merhaba” as you prepare to explore a city where carpet dealers still haggle at the 500-year-old Grand Bazaar, and rooftop bars serve creative cocktails to funky DJ beats. Check out the upside-down Medusa head sculptures at the Underground Cistern, duck into a Turkish tavern for a meal on Nevizade Street or explore ornate mosques.

Click here to view worry-free excursions.

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Take in the highlights of Istanbul and maximize your time with skip-the-line entrance at the most popular attractions. Enjoy guided visits to the Hagia Sophia Museum and the Blue Mosque; browse the stalls at the Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar; and tuck into tasty Turkish cuisine at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, discover Istanbul’s European and Asian sides on a Bosphorus sightseeing cruise.

Read more about – Istanbul City Tour and Bosphorus Sightseeing Cruise with Lunch

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Things to See in Istanbu

• Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque Tickets

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CRUISE DAY 7 | Sun. 08/31/25 | FUN DAY AT SEA

No port today! It’s a great time to explore your ship and its exciting entertainment, food and activities! Or take it easy at the pool, spa, or… if you book a room with a balcony, enjoy the waves.

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CRUISE DAY 8 | Mon. 09/01/25 | Kusadasi (Ephesus), Turkey
Arrival 8 am – Departure 5 pm

Kusadasi is fiercely proud to show off its history, which can be traced back 5,000 years. Visitors today flock here to take it all in — the city’s population shoots up every summer as folks from around the world come to hit the beaches, stroll the downtown shopping area and wonder at views of the iconic Kusadasi Castle, which stoically watches over the harbor from atop a small island nearby. Not far beyond Kusadasi is the ancient city of Ephesus. Nobody lives there today, but ancient residents left behind impressive signs of their civilization for posterity, including the Celsus Library, and an Amphitheater whose size rivals modern stadiums.

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At 8:30 am sharp, we will meet our tour guide will be waiting us at Kusadasi Harbor Guest Terminal with a sign of VINCENT CERCHIO, next to “TOUR BUSES / CITY CENTER“ sign.

Contact Numbers: +90 543 254 01 43 or +90 553 063 15 39  ( Whatsapp Text Preferred )

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You will visit one of the UNESCO-listed places that is Ancient City of Ephesus, walk on the streets where Apostle Paul and John walked, see the Grand Theatre of Ephesus that St. Paul preached to Ephesians, take excellent pictures of Celsus Library, explore Roman Baths, Temple of Hadrian, Public Toilets, Marble Street, Agora, etc.

You can see the superb, preserved Terrace Houses, famous for their unique mosaics and frescos. You will experience the very peaceful atmosphere of the shrine that is the most important Biblical Site in Turkey, the House of the Virgin Mary. You’ll see the Temple of Artemis which is one of the wonders of the ancient world. Upon your request, you will have a chance for a local lunch.

Some of the venues have small entrance fees that you will pay on the day of the tour, if you wish to enter those sites. The guide will arrange for ticket. More information to follow. A local lunch is available for $15 per person. I need to know in advance to reserve tables.

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Click here to view worry-free excursions.

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CRUISE DAY 9 | Tue. 09/02/25 | Mykonos
Arrival 8 am – Departure 5 pm

How’d you get so perfect, Mykonos? Check out some pics of the town and you might wonder why the buildings are so perfectly white. Or maybe you won’t wonder, since it’s easy to just get lost in awe of the island’s picturesque beauty, of how perfect it all just happens to be, from the Cycladic architecture with brilliant blue accents to the stoic windmills. Just why Mykonos became one of Greece’s most iconic international travel destinations, a nightlife capital for the rich in the ’60s and ’70s — and today continues to attract seekers of great shopping, dining and strolling — all becomes evident when you visit. Also, don’t miss Mykonos’s neighboring island, Delos, for another side of Greece, the side with archaeological ruins of temples and sanctuaries from ancient times.

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Mykonos is about more than its tourist haunts: it’s a living, working island where traditional local culture is still going strong. Get under its skin in ways most tours don’t allow on this exploration with a local. Stroll Mykonos Town, explore peaceful villages, and discover hidden spots as you hear tales of Mykonos’ history and old-time life. Finish with a sunbath, a swim, and homemade snacks at a tucked-away beach.

Read more about – Sightseeing with a Mykonian (Private Tour)

Click here to view worry-free excursions.

meteoblue

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CRUISE DAY 10 | Wed. 09/03/25 | Piraeus (Athens)
Arrival 6 am – Departure 5 pm

Cruise to Athens, Greece and fall in love with the city’s unique claims to fame. This one-of-a-kind, history-rich destination can boast to not only be the home to the Olympic games throughout the ages… but also the birthplace of democracy. Talk about competitive team sports! To this day, Athens is a city as rich in history as it is immersed in mythology. On cruises from Athens, you’ll see ancient feats of architecture like the Acropolis, Parthenon and Temple of Olympian Zeus mingling with modern museums, cafes and shops across the Athenian landscape. It’s a one-of-a-kind destination, and a must-see stop on any Greek Isles cruise.

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Carnival Excursion (DG) 7:15 am

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Viator Excursion (CG) 8:30 am

Travel back in time private shore excursion of Athens’ ancient monuments. We’ll make the most of our limited time in Athens and spend the day exploring the city with a private guide. Marvel at the Acropolis, walk through the picturesque Plaka neighborhood, and shop at the famous Monastiraki flea market. Enjoy free time to dine at a traditional Greek restaurant, too.

Read more about – The Highlights of Athens Private Shore Excursion 8 Hours

Click here to view worry-free excursions.

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CRUISE DAY 11 | Thu. 09/04/25 | FUN DAY AT SEA

No port today! It’s a great time to explore your ship and its exciting entertainment, food and activities! Or take it easy at the pool, spa, or… if you book a room with a balcony, enjoy the waves.

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CRUISE DAY 12 | Fri. 09/05/25 | Naples (Amalfi/Pompeii) 
Arrival 7 am – Departure 7 pm

Not just one of Italy’s oldest cities, but among the world’s oldest, Naples and its surrounding area has over thousands of years contributed innovations to not only the culinary and visual arts, but the development of everything from language to music. Today, you’ll feel the friendly spirit of this sunny metropolis as you sample its historic sights, fabulous shopping galleria and irresistible cuisine. But don’t limit yourself to the city itself — Mount Vesuvius, the spectacular Amalfi Coast, and the romantic isle of Capri’s famous Blue Grotto are all just a short distance away. The well-known, buried city of Pompeii is an archeological wonder, and not far from Naples.
Naples Cruise Video Guide
Click here to view worry-free excursions.

This private tour stands out by visiting both Pompeii and Herculaneum from Naples in one day of sightseeing. You’re picked up from the Port of Naples and taken to the archeological sites with a private chauffeur and guide for a full day of exploration. Travel in a car or minivan and spend about two hours at each archeological site (own expense).

Read more about – Pompeii and Herculaneum Private Tour

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Escape the city bustle on Naples for a tour of Herculaneum, a fascinating archeological site. Explore this ancient Roman town that was buried by a volcanic eruption in 79 A.D. with an archeological guide. See the site’s thermal spas and striking mosaics. Pick-up in Naples and round-trip transportation are included.

Read more about – Herculaneum Guided Group Tour from Naples

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CRUISE DAY 13 | Sat. 09/06/25 | Civitavecchia (Rome)
Arrival 6 am – Disembark Ship

In ancient times it was said that all roads lead to Rome… but in your case, the seaport of Civitavecchia is your road to Rome. Get there and you’ll find out what made the place so popular. The Vatican’s Sistine Chapel by Michelangelo, the Colosseum with its lurid history, and the Trevi Fountain — where a tossed coin promises your return — are not to be missed on any visit to the so-called “Eternal City,” one of the cradles of civilization. Take a walking tour of Rome’s many historical landmarks and enjoy the lively sidewalk cafés, ending the day alla romana strolling through the atmospheric Centro Storico.
Click here to view worry-free excursions.

Sun. 09/06/25 | BW Hotel President

Hotel President: a 4-star hotel in the historic center of Rome: 3 Nights

Class, luxury and functionality are what represents Best Western Hotel President 4-star hotel, the ideal place for your stay in Rome near the Termini railway station and in the heart of its enchanting historic centre.

Situated in the core of the Eternal City, placed near the Basilica of St. John Lateran, the Colosseum, the spectacular Domus Aurea, and few steps away from the shopping area, the hotel is housed in a stately and elegant modern building.

A few metres from the hotel, here is the Metro A subway line and several public transportations stops to ensure you a fast and functional link with the rest of the City, for a comfortable permanence in complete freedom and independence.

Line A (Orange)

Line A runs from the northwest to southeast, from Battistini to Anagnina. The most important stops are the following:

• Cipro – Musei Vaticani: The closest stop to the Vatican Museums and to the Sistine Chapel.
• Ottaviano – San Pietro: This station is a few minutes’ walk from St. Peter’s Square and St. Peter’s Basilica.
• Spagna: Very convenient for visiting Piazza di Spagna and Villa Borghese.
• Barberini – Fontana di Trevi: This station is five minutes away from Trevi Fountain It is also the closest station to Piazza Navona and the Pantheon.
• Termini: Stops at Roma Termini railway station. Here, visitors can take the Leonardo Express to get to Fiumicino Airport.

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Sun. 09/07/25 | Return Home

I will arrange transfers from the hotel to the airport.

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Sample Pricing for the 12 Day Cruise
Includes Carnival Vacation Protection and Gratuities

Balcony Stateroom, Double Occupancy $5200 (total for two persons)

Balcony Staterooms are Sold Out!
Click here for an Inside Cabin

Carnival Trip Protection Plan

When it comes to trip protection, both Carnival and Allianz offer coverage, but there are some differences. Let’s break it down:

1. Carnival’s Cruise Vacation Protection:
   • Cancellation Fee Waiver Program: If you need to cancel your cruise due to sickness, injury, death, or other qualifying reasons, Carnival refunds 100% of the unused portion of your cruise fare.
   • Travel Insurance Program: This covers additional aspects like trip interruption, baggage delay, and emergency medical expenses.
   • 24/7 Worldwide Travel Assistance: Provides support during your trip.
2. Allianz Group Advantage Plan:
   • Impressive Coverage Limits: Allianz offers high coverage limits, including emergency medical evacuation (important for cruises) and COVID-19 coverage.
   • Security Evacuation: Covers natural disasters, riots, or civil disorder.
   • Medical Expense Limits: Up to $50,000 per person.
   • Various plans provide different levels of coverages, the plan below is for coverage for two persons on this cruise, based on $8000 in non-refundable costs.

My recommendation: While Carnival’s plan is better than nothing, a traditional travel insurance plan from Allianz generally offers better benefits and coverage for a similar price. Consider your specific needs and compare the details to make an informed choice.

DISCLAIMER: The above comparison was generated using Microsoft Copilot AI and provides general information. Consult an insurance agent or provider for specific coverage and plan information.

Carnival Cancellation Penalties

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Private Guided Tour of Ephesus

• Ephesus Port Tours
  • Ephesus Port Tours will meet you at cruise port
  • 10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
• Ephesus Terrace Houses
  • This visit can be added to program
    • Entry fees will be extra.
  • Terrace Houses were the houses of upper-class people in Ephesus.
  • Famous for their gorgeous mosaics and wall paintings. 
  • 30 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included.
• Meryemana (The Virgin Mary’s House)
  • Where Virgin Mary stayed after the crucifixion of Jesus and died.
  • Pope Paul VI visited the shrine in 1967, and ‘unofficially’ confirmed its authenticity.
  • Pope John Paul II also visited the shrine in 1979.
  • Pope Benedict XVI visited this shrine in 2006.
  • 45 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included.
• Ancient City of Ephesus
  • Ephesus that is one of the best well-kept Greco- Roman ancient city in the world,
  • Famous for Odeon where the music concerts were given.
  • Domitian Temple which is one of the first temple dedicated for a human.
  • Celcius Library which was the third biggest library in the ancient time.
  • Amphitheatre, one of the largest amphitheatres in the world.
    • 24,000 people capacity .
    • St. Paul preached thre.
  • Roman Baths; Fountains; Temples; Agora; Love House; Public Toilets.
  • 2 hours • Admission Ticket Not Included.
• The Temple of Artemis
  • One of the seven wonders of the ancient world.
  • 15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free.
• Kusadasi Castle (Pass By)
  • Called Pigeon Island, located next to port.
  • You can see from the ship and visit on your own after the tour.
• Kusadasi Shopping Center (Pass By)
  • We will drive by Kusadasi Shopping Center,
    • Located just 5 minutes walking distance to port.
  • Your guide will point the shopping area to visit on your own after tour
• Okuz Mehmet Pasa KervansarayI (Pass By)
  • We will drive by Caravanserai that is located very closed to port.
  • Just 5 minutes walking distance, you can visit on your own after the tour.
• Kusadasi
  • The town where the ship docked.

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Carnival Excursions and Activities

You must be logged in to your Carnival account to view. These excursions are sold directly by Carnival and the traveler will need to address any related issues directly with Carnival.

Day 1 – Civitavecchia (Rome)

Day 3 – Katakolon (Olympia)

Day 5 – Kavala (Neapolis)

Day 6 – Istanbul

Day 8 – Kusadasi (Ephesus), Turkey

Day 9 – Mykonos

Day 10 – Piraeus (Athens)

Day 12 – Naples (Amalfi/Pompeii)

CRUISE DATES

3 Nights Amalfi – Pre-Cruise Dates

Depart on Wed. 8/20/25 and return on Sun. 9/7/25

Cruise Only from Phoenix

Depart on Sat. 8/23/25 – Return Sun. 9/7/25

Saturday, August 23, 2025

Depart Phoenix TBD

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Sunday, August 24, 2025

Arrive Rome (FCO) at 11:05 am and train to Civitavecchia.

1 night hotel stay at 🛎️Hotel de la Ville,

Mon. 08/25/25

Embark on the Carnival Miracle.

🚢CRUISE 🚢

Sat. 09/06/25

Disembark and train to Rome.

One night stay at Best Western Hotel President.

Sun. 09/07/25

Flights from Rome (FCO) to Phoenix (PHX)

Depart FCO Delta 0067 at 11:35 am

Mon. 09/08/25

Back to work 😔

Currency Exchange

Foreign currency exchange is the act of exchanging one type of currency for another. For example, if you’re planning an international trip to Europe, you may want to plan ahead and exchange U.S. dollars for Euros so that you are prepared to cover cash expenses as soon as you arrive without having to stop at an exchange office at your destination. Two hundred euros should get you through until you get to an ATM.

Making ATM Withdrawals – USE A BANK ATM!

The best way to get cash in Italy is to make an ATM withdrawal when you arrive. The Visa or Mastercard exchange rate applies and is better than any rate you’re likely to get exchanging currency at an exchange office or a bank.

IMPORTANT: Make sure to select the option for conversion by your bank. It’s a good idea to check with your bank for specific details about their foreign ATM conversion fees and any other charges that might apply.

Italian bank ATMs are called bancomats and some don’t charge a local ATM operator fee — but avoid using independent ATMs. These third-party ATMs charge like a wounded bull, and it’ll be obvious which ATMs are affiliated with a bank and which aren’t.

Cash and Currency Tips for Europe by Rick Steves

Foreign Currency Exchange Services (pnc.com)

How long does it take to receive foreign currency bank notes that are ordered at a PNC branch?

Standard foreign currency orders entered before 4:30 p.m. ET will be delivered to the branch by the end of the next business day. (during business travel season please allow 1 – 2 additional business days)

Customers may request overnight delivery for a $15 charge. Overnight delivery foreign currency orders entered before 4:30 p.m. ET will be delivered to the branch by noon the next business day. Overnight delivery is only available Monday through Friday and isn’t available on bank holidays.

Foreign Currency Exchange | Fifth Third Bank (53.com)

Fifth Third customers can buy and sell foreign currency at their local branch with competitive exchange rates. And when you return from your trip, Fifth Third can buy back any unused foreign currency, exchanging it back into U.S. dollars.  Contact your local branch if you have questions about a particular currency carried.

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🧼✨ Carnival Miracle: Onboard Laundry with Style

Even at sea, staying crisp matters. Carnival Miracle offers self-service laundry stations on Decks 1 (Riviera), 6 (Upper), and 7 (Empress)—each equipped with 2–3 washers, dryers, and a full ironing setup. With $3.50 USD per wash/dry cycle and $2.00 detergent boxes, it’s a simple swipe of your Sail & Sign card to keep your wardrobe sharp. Whether prepping for eleganza sotto le stelle or restoring that sun-soaked tee, Cerchio Travel ensures you sail polished, prepared, and effortlessly chic. 🌊🧺

Click here for more details on the full spectrum of Carnival Laundry Services.

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🧭Port Day Details

Cruise Day 10 | Athens Port Day – Sept 3, 2025

Ship: Carnival Miracle
Port: Piraeus (Athens), Greece
Docking: 06:00 | Departure: 17:00 | Final Boarding: ~15:30–16:00

Time	Activity	Notes
06:00	Ship docks at Piraeus	Gangways open by ~06:30
08:30	Private excursion pickup	Confirmed via Viator booking
08:30–15:30	Athens tour + return transit	Includes Acropolis, Plaka, lunch stop
15:30	Recommended latest return to port	Buffer for traffic or delays
16:00	Final boarding window closes	Carnival enforces strict reboarding cutoff
17:00	Ship departs	Late arrivals may be left behind