AIDA Crete 2022

Our AIDA trip in November went from Crete to Mallorca – 8 days on the Mediterranean. We had booked everything with AIDA, including travel – the all-round carefree package. On Friday morning we drove to Frankfurt; the plane left at 5.55 a.m. Not a problem for us, as it meant the whole day still lay ahead of us. By 11.30 a.m. we were already on the ship, and our holiday began. This time we had booked a panorama balcony cabin on deck 12, right next to the spa. An absolutely great location – quiet and close to all the amenities. The view is simply phenomenal.

Of course our traditional cocktail on the first evening couldn't be missing.

Our first stop was Athens. At 10 a.m. AIDAblu docked in the port, and at 11.30 a.m. our excursion to the Acropolis began, booked through AIDA (PIR07 for 75 euros per person). Because of the time of year it wasn't overcrowded, and we had plenty of opportunity to marvel at the monument. In the 1.5 hours of free time we explored the old town and its many narrow lanes.

After 4.5 hours the excursion ended back at the ship.

After a sea day with lots of relaxation, good food and the international football match Germany v Spain, we reached Syracuse. The old town in particular has many historic buildings and is only a few minutes from the pier. From the pier, turn right along the water and over the bridge, and you've reached the old town. We didn't book an excursion here.

After a great evening and a choppy night, we reached Palermo the next morning. We hadn't booked an excursion in Palermo either, as we had already visited the city on a previous trip. Here too we explored the city on foot. It's only a few minutes' walk from the pier into the city. Beware of pickpockets at the hotspots. But Palermo didn't convince us on our second visit either, so it's one of the less interesting cities for us. In the evening AIDAblu set course for Naples.

In Naples we had booked an excursion through AIDA to Pompeii and the coastal town of Sorrento. The 8.5-hour excursion began at 8.30 a.m. and went straight to Pompeii. Our guide from Switzerland gave us very detailed information and a great deal of knowledge.

We had a great tour.

After lunch (we got full – that's all I can say about it), we went to Sorrento in the afternoon. On the way we visited a limoncello factory and of course got to taste it. The chocolate in particular is a real treat. Sorrento is a beautiful, picturesque town right on the cape. The island of Capri can be seen very well from the cape.

The next morning AIDAblu reached Olbia on Sicily. We took the shuttle into the city (5 euros per person). Walking through the city centre, we first visited the basilica.

In the evening AIDAblu left Sicily and set course for Palma de Mallorca.