Irish rock group U2 were playing at Croke Park the previous night so Dublin airport the next morning was mayhem! We just about got our flight to Venice with minutes to spare to pick up the Mediterranean cruise ship Costa Serena. Joining us was Celine's sister Una and her Galway husband Ollie, also Joan and Tom Bolger from Sydney and Mary, Gerry and Marie Coyle from Dublin. A good lot to be with and the craic was mighty!
Venice: What a beautiful city of art and romance! Lots of water over 400 bridges so if you can't swim be careful.
We set off on our cruise next day 26th July on the Costa Serena, Italian ship. Launched in 2007, caters for 3800 passengers and has1100 crew.

Our first stop was the Italian port of BARI. Celine and I actually slept most of the day and did not disembark! Lazy lot! Needed some sleep following our Irish holiday!

Next port of call KATAKOLON, Greece.
This is a small port and services the legendry City of Olympia about 40klm away. My brother in law Ollie and myself took a conducted tour of the Olympia and where the Olympic Games originated in 776BC. I found this to be a spiritual experience and quite out of this world, just to stand on this historical land where it all began so many centuries ago

Next port stop off was IZMIR, Turkey.
The next biggest city to Istanbul and the home of the largest shopping Bizzar in the world-10,000 shops. Celine and Una got to most! Want to but a carpet, or two????

Then to INSTANBUL, Turkey.
What a delightful, vibrant, and modern city. Four cities, three empires, a history of over 3000 years. Lovely pleasant young business people and very little USA shops or product on show

Last call was the charming port of DUBROVNIK, Croatia.
This is one of the most attractive destinations, on the Adriatic Riviera. Over 700 years old this beautiful city is guarded all round by a stone wall. Dubrovnik Cathedral and Dominican and Franciscan convents add to the beauty and reverence one senses when you are their

Then it was back to Venice for the end of one of my most memorable trips.
It was great to share time with Celine's sister Una and her husband Ollie also friends Tommy, Joan, Mary, Jerry and Marie