The Adriatic Sea was a bit rough again last night but I actually enjoyed the rocking. Seabourn Spirit arrived in Brindisi, Italy, right on schedule at 8am and from the boat, the city didn’t look too great. I wasn’t sure if we would be taking shuttle buses or walking into town.
Once we docked, a local tourism representative boarded the ship (as they do at each port) and handed out maps and answered questions. We learned that the city is small. It’s just a block walk from the ship to the main street and we were told that we would find plenty of shops and that they are all having sales. Natalie got excited and I got worried. But it turns out I did all the shopping. They have a lot of kids’ stores, which was perfect since I have three young nephews, a niece and a goddaughter … and everything was 50% off.
There’s not a lot to see in Brindisi if you go out on your own, which is what we did. I’m not sure about the ship’s excursions. It’s a sleepy little town and the only tourists I saw were from our boat. The good news is that everything is inexpensive, people were fairly friendly and we just relaxed walking around.
Highlights included: Getting a Nutella Biancadonut (1.20 euro), which was made with white chocolate. Yum! Seeing the tight security in Bank of Napoli to use their ATM (one person enters and exits at a time); getting lost (on purpose); finding a traditional barbershop and getting a haircut, which is one of my favorite ways to get immersed into a culture (costs only 8 euros); lighting a candle in memory of my mom in the Duomo, walking around the outdoor market, having pizza down by the water and of course, enjoying some authentic gelato. Photos are below.
Brindisi wasn’t our favorite port but we still had fun and probably won’t forget our time here. Tomorrow we go to Dubrovnik, which I think (hope!) will be our favorite. Stay tuned to find out!
Useful links: Wiki/Brindisi | LonelyPlanet.com/Brindisi | Italia.it/Brindisi | Seabourn
Related Posts: Day 1: Venice, Italy | Day 2: Sea Day | Day 3: Kotor, Montenegro | Day 4: Corfu, Greece | Day 6: Dubrovnik, Croatia | Day 7: Split, Croatia | Day 8: Sali, Croatia | Day 9: Rovinj, Croatia
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July is “Saldi” in Italy and there are huge sales everywhere in preparation for the month long holiday period in August. Stores generally clear out the summer merchandise since they will be stocking for fall once they re-open after their holidays.
Thanks for the great blog John. I’m Liv Life’s husband, and we’re following in your wake on the same ship/itinerary 10 days behind as a family of four. As a 767 Capt, and having read your bio, I’m really enjoying your blog.
We love Seabourn and echo your fiancé’s (go Natalie!… and congrats!) sentiments about the intimate atmosphere and great travel experience.
Thanks for the blog. We eagerly look forward to it each day… check it every night on my layovers this week while flying!
Best wishes… drink only the good stuff!
BK
Hi BK – how was your cruise? Hope you guys had an awesome time!
:)
Johnny, I just came across this wonderful Blog. Thank you so much for taking the time to provide this valuable information. Just like Kim and her family, my wife and I will be taking the same cruise starting July 24. The information you have provided has made us even more excited about this cruise. Maybe you can help with this question. We arrive at the Venice airport about 8am and wonder how soon we can drop our luggage at the ship. Any suggestion as to what we might do would be very appreciated. It would be great if we could actually meet you and say hello. Thanks again. Wayne
Thanks for the note. I just asked reception and they said 1pm is the earliest but she said the cruise terminal has storage (but I’m not 100% sure about that). Would love to meet you but we leave on the 23rd. Bon voyage!