NCL Epic Mediterranean Magic
(140 Reviews)
100% Recommended
Laurie Johnsrud
Rochester, MN
Memorable Family Vacations Specialist
When I go on vacation, I like to make sure that all details are taken care of (flights, hotels, transfers, sightseeing) yet also want to have some free time to explore whatever I might be interested in doing that day. I know most of my clients als...
When I go on vacation, I like to make sure that all details are taken care of (flights, hotels, transfers, sightseeing) yet also want to have some free time to explore whatever I might be interested in doing that day. I know most of my clients also want all details taken care of in advance so they can put their brain in “vacation mode”. My specialties are family travel, couples getaways, and all-inclusive resorts and escorted tours. Whether you are looking at a vacation for 1 person or 100, I can help plan a memorable getaway that you’ll remember with fondness for many years to come.
I have seen many fascinating areas of the world......Fiji, the Caribbean, Mexico, Asia, and Europe. One of my more recent trips was to Costa Rica. My husband and I stayed at two different resorts, and boy were they different from each other. I've also been able to sail with several cruise lines in the Caribbean and Europe, including a couple of river cruises (one in Europe, one in Asia).
I’d love to share my experiences and knowledge with you about all these wonderful destinations. I've been in the travel industry since 1984 and am a Travel Leaders Certified Travel Specialist. I enjoy exploring new areas and will take care of all your travel details to make sure you have a well planned, worry free vacation.
Can Be Reached At
1-507-446-3684
There’s nothing quite like Europe in the summer—and nothing quite like exploring it by sea.
Rome Romance
After landing in Rome, we headed straight to our hotel, eager to stretch our legs and breathe in that historic Roman air. A casual walk around the neighborhood gave us a feel for the city’s rhythm—bustling cafes, charming alleyways, and ancient ruins around every corner. We wrapped up our day with a delicious dinner at a local trattoria, setting the tone for a week of indulgence.
Vatican Marvels and the Pantheon
We woke early for a guided tour of the Vatican. Standing beneath Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel ceiling was nothing short of amazing. We made our way to the Pantheon—a stunning blend of architecture and history—and soaked in the atmosphere of Rome before calling it an early night.
Ancient Rome Comes Alive
Today we dove deep into Rome’s ancient roots with visits to the Colosseum, Palatine Hill, and the Roman Forum. These sites are all conveniently close to each other. We capped it off with a visit to the iconic Trevi Fountain, a refreshing end to a full day of sightseeing.
All Aboard the NCL Epic
We boarded the Norwegian Epic, our floating home for the next leg of our journey. The ship was impressive—stylish staterooms, excellent dining options, and friendly passengers from all over the world. With everything settled, it was time to relax and look forward to Greece.
A Day at Sea
Sometimes a great part of vacation is simply... doing nothing. We slept in, explored the ship, lounged on the deck, and enjoyed live entertainment in the evening. This downtime was just what we needed to recharge before our Greek island adventures began.
Stunning Santorini
Santorini greeted us with its beautiful dramatic cliffs. We learned about the island’s unique winemaking tradition, shaped by volcanic ash and sun-drenched grapes, and marveled at the impossibly blue Aegean Sea. Did you know they experience minor earthquakes nearly every month?
Mykonos Magic
Mykonos, known for its charming labyrinth of streets and iconic windmills. We visited a beach for a scenic photo stop, a winery/farm, and wandered through Little Venice. The island is more walkable than Santorini, but just as enchanting. In summer, the population triples as visitors flock to enjoy its beauty.
Ancient Athens
Athens impressed us with its vibrant energy and historic sites. Home to over 10 million people, the city faces major traffic issues—so much so that driving restrictions are in place based on license plates! Thanks to our tour bus, we navigated the chaos and had the chance to explore this ancient capital's wonders.
Olympia – Where it All Began
We explored Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympic Games. This was the greenest stop so far and full of fascinating history. We discovered that only one Olympic event was held per year in ancient times—rotating between running, javelin, discus, and wrestling. Despite centuries of damage from floods and earthquakes, many ruins remain and restorations are ongoing.
The Island of Malta
Malta surprised us with its density—it’s the most populated country in Europe! Its architecture dates back to 800 BC, and Christianity was brought here by the Apostle Paul. The island relies heavily on reverse osmosis for drinking water and produces only tomatoes and onions. Its unique limestone even contains fossilized shells—nature’s own building material.
Sicilian Adventures – Mount Etna
From the port of Messina, we drove to Mount Etna, one of the world’s most active volcanoes. We hiked to the rim of a smaller crater—windy, cloudy, but totally worth it. Despite the obscured views, it was a thrilling, otherworldly experience. Sicily’s volcanic terrain left a lasting impression.
Sorrento & Pompeii
This full-day tour began with a stop at a cameo factory, where artisans create intricate jewelry from seashells. Then it was off to Sorrento, famous for its inlaid wood craftsmanship and charming streets. Our final stop was Pompeii—a city frozen in time. I had no idea that modern villages still exist alongside these ancient ruins! Some of the original frescoes have survived since 200 BC.
Florence Finale
Our last day took us to Florence, via the port of Livorno. Driving through Tuscany felt like stepping into a postcard—rolling hills, lush greenery, and charm. We enjoyed a demonstration of handcrafted leather goods before wandering the picturesque streets. Florence deserves a much longer visit, and I’m already dreaming of a return.
Reflections at Sea
This Mediterranean journey was the perfect mix of ancient history, vibrant culture, and cruising. Each destination left its own unique imprint—and sailing aboard the NCL Epic made it all the more seamless. From the cliffs of Santorini to the ruins of Pompeii, this was truly a trip to remember.
If you're considering a Mediterranean cruise, don’t hesitate—it’s a bucket-list experience. Ready to plan your own epic Mediterranean escape? I'd love to help craft your perfect itinerary.