Headed out of Rome early this morning to beat the traffic – down the coast past Mount Vesuvius and the city of Pompeii which was buried when the mountain erupted in 79 AD. Guided tour around the ruins which are awe inspiring and restored so can see how the streets, houses and shops etc were laid out. Sweltering hot and dusty! On down the coast to Sorrento where we had lunch in the shade on a mozzarella farm. Then into mini buses to drive along the Amalfi Coast to the town of Postitano – amazing narrow winding streets clinging to the cliffs bustling with cars and scooters – on 3 turns the mini bus had to back up – in one case twice! – to negotiate tight corners. Inspected the beach – pebbles with deck chairs laid on every square metre and warm Mediterranean water. Cocktails at a beach front bar before walk back up the hill to the bus. Overnight in Sorrento.
The next morning went by fast ferry to the Isle of Capri – 5 km at the closest point off Naples – where we spent a delightful morning – admired the stunning cliffs and crystal clear water below, houses of the rich and famous and boutiques along the steep alley ways. Would not like to live or holiday here though as many of the properties only have walking access and it is a loooong way down to the beach and any boat moored there- luxury or otherwise. Again super hot day, about 35degrees so a long cool drink and pizza on the deck in the shade overlooking the sea was luxury for us.
The Pope and the Gladiators – Rome now and then
We started the morning with a visit to the Vatican Museums, opulent in the extreme and housing a magnificent collection of art works, and tapestries, and the gallery of maps. We then walked through to the Sistene Chapel and spent a good while admiring the ceiling and altar wall decorated by Michelangelo some 25 years apart – all with the expert commentary of a local Italian woman as guide. Rather overwhelming when you get the real low-down on the symbolism and meaning in each panel. Then into St Peter’s Basilica – more opulence and magnificence. Apparently the Pope returned from his summer home today – and held an audience a “stone’s throw” from us and blessed everyone and everything within 1 mile so we were blessed while we had early lunch across the road! The guide then took us on to other sites around the city including St Paul’s Outside the Wall – another magnificent church, one of four churches of great significance – obviously not visited by every tourist as not as crowded as some of the other sites visited!
On to Rome
Left Venice this morning, another overcast start with the promise of sun. Through the last plains of Veneto into the Appenine Hills, past Ferrara and Bologna (of sauce fame) and into Tuscany and Umbria. Progressively drier s we go south with characteristic villas and landscapes of olive trees and vineyards.
Reaching Rome in good time to sweltering heat and sun – time for a quick rest up before a drive-by of the Roman forum and Colusseum to whet the appetite for tomorrow. We then walked into Piazza Navona, admired the monuments, and visited the Pantheon – the oldest original Roman building now preserved as a basilica. This visit was enlivened by a German group on a pilgrimage taking part in a mass, and then admiring the artwork. A couple of ‘roman guards” were quick to seize us for a photo opportunity and a few euros. Dinner was back in the outdoor Piazza Navona – antipasta, pasta, veal and salad, frozen chocolate dessert confection and wonderful coffee. There is no way I can diet here!! The piazza is lit at night and full of painters, music and atmosphere.
A big day in Venezia
A cloudy start was greeted with quite some relief as we set out for a day in Venice. Built on 1,000’s of wooden poles set in clay and silica in the sea, the foundations to all the buildings of Venice are now an engineering challenge. Everything needed to be flexible to allow for movement – today Venice is sinking and threatened.
Our tour started with the magnificent Palace of the Doges – oil paintings by da Ponto and Tintoretto. A contrast to the dungeons reached by crossing the Bridge of Sighs. Then into St Mark’s Basilica – with dazzling mosaics on the walls and ceilings, decorations and beautiful marble mosaic floors – uneven as it sinks.
Gondolas in Venice
A longish drive today from Innsbruck to Venice passing over the Europa bridge (190m high with a bungy jump!) and through the Brenner pass into Italy. The foothills of the Dolomites were stunning in colour with wooded hillsides and many villages, vineyards, apple orchards and castles along the way. The houses are the typical sandy-orange coloured villas you see in pictures- varied in size and state of repair.
Central Venice itself is made up of 117 islands accessed only by water transport – we ferried in by water taxi along the Grand Canal that bisects the city and oohed and aahed at the amazing architecture and sights. A visit to the Murano glass factory followed and then we wandered the central piazza area – San Marco – very hot so enjoyed gelato! We were then treated to a gondola ride through canals complete with accordion and tenor serenade – very impressive. Then a water ferry ride back to bus and hotel for a much needed rest and shower before dinner.
Tryolean hospitality
Left switzerland and drove almost the length of the tiny principality of Liechenstein stopping for a coffee and quick shop before reaching Austria, More beautiful mountain scenery all the way. Overnight in Innsbruck – a delightful eveing in a Tyrol village – horse and buggy ride to dinner in a unique pub – ate huge meals with our fingers and drank the local schnapps. Great ride home by bus – well entertained with song! Off on the road to Venice this morning.
In the Alps – “Heidi” comes alive
A ride through the mist this morning on a funicular railway -(one of Switzerland’s oldest) and then modern cable car to the top of Mt. Stanserhorn (1,900m) – brilliant sunshine at the top and 360 degree views around the Alps. Wandered around the summit to the echoing bells of cows in summer pastures past Heidi’s hut and views of alpine meadows.
Lunch back in Lucerne was a typical Swiss affair accompanied by traditional rollicking music including the alpine horns, accordion, broomstick and saw, xylophone and yodelling. I even blew the alpine horn and made a respectable noise! The afternoon was spent wandering the narrow lanes and shops of Lucerne and also viewing the covered bridge and Lion monument built in memory of Louis XVI’s Swiss Guards. I also got to visit the monastery here in Engelberg and admire some stunning frescos, decorations and appreciate the monks singing at evensong.
Being a tourist is a bit tiring and nice to have 2 nights in Engelberg and later starts in the am!!
Into Switzerland
Another early start with a great drive through the leafy green German countryside to Heidelberg – explored the castle (built in 1386) – stunning location looking down the valley, across the city and over the river. Then travelled on into the Alsace region of France – many gorgeous villages along the way sitting against the hills, in valleys and also on the flat – characterised by clusters of orange roofed houses, church spires rising up and a few castles against the skyline.
European waterways
Here we are checked into a nice comfortable hotel in Offenbach (“suburb” of Franfurt) after 2 very full days on tour! An early start Tuesday morning – we drove down through Kent to the White Cliffs of Dover – ferry crossing about midday and in Calais, France, a couple of hours later. Cruised on through Flanders fields to Belgium into The Netherlands and checked into our Hotel on the outskirts of Amsterdam. Then into the city for a cruise on a canal boat through the fascinating port and canals ending up at a floating Indonesian style restaurant for dinner. Then a quick walk into the red light district for a bit of cultural education.
Afternoon tea at Harrods
A quiet first day recovering from the flight. Spent the afternoon on a long walk wandering around Kensington, Knightsbridge and Hyde Park areas – popped into Harrods for afternoon tea – only saw a fraction of the place. Exercised great restraint due to first day out, weight restrictions and limited space!. Early to bed tonight before an early start on the tour in the morning.