Decisions, decisions...input sought!

Countdown: 17 days.

The three of us, Marilyn, Allen, & I, came up with a scheme for how we might visit the various cities we'll visit: we'll each pick one thing that we want to do in each city. That way, we go in knowing three things that we want to do. And three things, when you have less than 12 hours in a place is probably doable. So I have seven things to pick...but I'm having some trouble, so feel free to comment and help me out.

First off there's London; not technically a port of call, since the QM2 doesn't navigate up the Thames very well. But we have a little over a day there before the cruise and a little less than a day following. We've been to London before in 2004. (You can view my pictures from that trip on my flickr account: http://is.gd/uuu5- [open in a new window]) I'm wavering in my choice here between the British Museum and the Twinnings Tea Shop. I know, really different directions for that one.

Our first port of call is Lisbon. I'm not sure what to do here and would really love some help. We've watched a few travel videos about Lisbon and it seems lovely and I know I'll like it, but nothing is popping out as the one thing I want to see or do there.

Then we go to Gibraltar. We're only in Gibraltar for a morning. I know I want to go to the top of the Rock. Depending on lines, that could take the whole morning, I realize. (It'll be a Sunday morning too...who knows what'll be open and what won't.)

Following Gibraltar we sail for Rome (well, Civitavecchia, which is a port city about 2 hours from Rome; we've already booked ourselves on a do-it-yourself excursion to Rome). I really want to get to Vatican City and see St. Peter's & the Sistine Chapel. (Is that one or two things? I'm sort of lumping them together.) I know this is high on Marilyn's list too. Any advice about the best way to do this? First thing of the day, as soon as we arrive? After lunch? Later afternoon? Help!

Monte-Carlo is next and here I'm really not sure. I don't really have any interest in the casinos. And I'm not sure what else there is to do there. I do know I have to get off the ship--I've long had an interest in visiting the tiniest countries of Europe and Monaco certainly counts among them. (So on this trip, I finally get to start fulfilling my dream with two countries: Monaco & Vatican.) The QM2 offers excursions into France--Nice and other Côte d'Azur towns. But they're pretty expensive, so I doubt we'll go that route. Perhaps it will just be a day of wandering. Maybe I can rent a Formula I or IV or whatever it is and pretend I'm in the Grand Prix.

Finally, there's Barcelona. Allen really wants to see Gaudi buildings and I'm very interested in the Sagra da Familia to0, his still unfinished cathedral. It looks amazing. But what else in Barcelona should I consider? It seems like a great city--one that I'll definitely want to come back to.

Then it's back to London for a day (after three more days at sea). So give me ideas and thoughts to consider. Then follow this blog and see if your suggestions make it.

Photo credits: Queen Mary 2 image scanned from their brochure; Big Ben @ Westminster, by Gerry Brague; Rock of Gibraltar, by Steve Colcott; St. Peter's Catherdral @ Vatican City, by Giorgos Vintzileos; Sagra da Familia, eqkrishena (All photos except Queen Mary 2 scan are from flickr and are used by permission under their Creative Commons License.)