Livorno (Little/New Venice): A shuttle bus took us from the ship to the Porto di Livorno shuttle bus stop. There was a military graduation ceremony in progress there at the Palazzo Civico. We wandered from there to the bustling Mercato Centrale open market packed with fresh produce and gift vendors. We then entered the Mercato Delle Vettovaglie, an expansive 19th-century building filled with fresh seafood, meat, produce, gift shops & coffee bars. Colorful umbrellas and flags hung overhead as we walked up and down the aisles. We backtracked to the Osteria Dietro L’Angolo for nice lunch. It was a small cafe with friendly service and fun rope swing seats hung at the tables along the wall. After lunch we crossed a canal and zig-zagged to the Fortezza Nuova but it was closed.

Portofino: We had to take a tender boat to the docks of this picturesque fishing village that has become a popular cruise destination with expensive boutiques and excellent restaurants. We had a nice lunch at the Trattoria Tripoli sitting outside with views of the Piazzetta and harbor. After browsing the harbor and boutiques, we headed back to the ship.

Naples: After a day at sea, we entered the hectic working port of Naples. A shuttle bus carried us to the main terminal where we hired a taxi to the National Archaeological Museum of Naples to meet with our tour guide. The museum contained excellent collections of Greek, Roman and Renaissance origins. Most fascinating to us were the artifacts from Pompeii. The detailed mosaics, massive statuary, delicate glassware and fine silverware were nothing less than stunning. We walked from there to the nearby Duomo di Napoli to view its rich interior and crypt. Moving on to the crowded via Duomo, we grabbed a bite at the A’ Lucianella Trattoria and then hired a taxi directly to the ship dock. Leaving the port, we were provided dramatic views of Mt. Vesuvius on the coast.