Has two weeks really gone by? There were very early wake up calls for most of us today as the taxis came to take our travelers away to the airport. Barb and Sandy left by train on Wednesday to spend a day and night in Milan before flying home. Tony and Charlene will be visiting family in Belgium. Safe travels to all. What a good time we've had together. Look for new faces coming soon!
I HAVE SET UP A NEW PHOTOBLOG SITE FOR THE 2014 TOURS. YOU CAN STILL SEE PHOTOS FROM 2008 TO 2013 HERE. TO VIEW THE LATEST TOURS GO TO: WWW.INTUSCANYWITHPATRIZIA.BLOGSPOT.COM
Last Day in Florence - Sept 29
We started out with a walk to the Ferragamo Shoe Museum where there was a Garbo exhibit instead of the shoes, oh well! We continued across the Arno for a stroll then everyone was off to do last minute shopping and packing for the trip back to the USA on Thursday. Some of us enjoyed another good meal at Guelfa's this evening. It's been a great two weeks!
Away from Home to Rome - Sept 28
Six of us took the optional trip to Rome today so that's what we have in store for you in the photographs. Our fellow travelers stayed in Florence for more sightseeing and shopping on their own. It was a great day with only a few dark clouds but no rain. Our 9:10 train got us there at 10:30 and we were back in Florence at 8:30 in the evening - in time to have dinner with Sandy and Barb.
Cortona and Orvieto - Sept 27
Lots of photos again today as we show you our "bellisimo" day in Cortona (where Under the Tuscan Sun was filmed) and Orvieto with its spectacular cathedral. It was a little cooler in Cortona than we expected, but no rain. Some of the folks even took an underground tour in Orvieto. I'll have to check that out next time. Enjoy the photos!
Sunday in Florence - Sept 26
Today we enjoyed a free day to indulge in our own interests which ranged from museum visists, to the Ciompi flea market, to the Grape Festival in Impruneta and shopping. The day was capped off by nine of the ladies having dinner together at Regginella's where we were filled to the brim with good food and vino.
Medici Palace and David - Sept 25
In Florence today, we toured the Medici-Riccardi Palace this morning with it's lovely garden, beautiful rooms and the outstanding chapel. Then we were off to the Accademia Gallery. We were lucky to have a reservation as the line extended around the block. We were unable to take photos inside, but marveled at Michelangelo's famous statue of David. The afternoon was free for "whatever" and some of us had a nice dinner together at Trattoria Guelph in the evening.
Cinque Terra-The Five Villages - Sept 24
There will be lots of photos for this visit along the coast of the Ligurian Sea to Cinque Terra. Our day started with an early train to LaSpezia then the short train between the villages. Each of the towns had their own personality and we had an enjoyable time investigating each one. We were very sorry that Harry and Mary were unable to go with us and we are hoping that her leg will be much better soon. We "lost" Bob at Riomaggiore, but Birdie "found" him again at the end of the day in Monterosso! He's a free spirit! Today was another highlight of the trip.
Greve in Chianti - Sept 23
A free morning for shopping and resting was followed this afternoon by a trip just outside Florence to visit the American Cememtery and Greve. The cemetery honors the lives of over 4000 servicemen who died in combat during World War II in Italy. Afterwards we continued on to a delightful little town, Greve for an interesting wine tasting experience and more shopping and enjoying gelato! Cheryl and Cindy opted to visit the Uffizi Art Gallery in Florence and Mary stayed in to rest her legs. Another great day in Italy!
City Walk and Tuscan Cooking - Sept 22
We started out this morning to visit the Cathedral, Dante's neighborhood and the Santa Croce area. It was a beautiful day in Florence and it ended with an entertaining cooking class at "In Tavola". We ate on Italian time-about 9:30 then walked across town back to LaContessina. A good time was had by all!
Tuscany and a Celebration - Sept 21
Our travelers boarded a motorcoach for The Best of Tuscany Tour today with our Italian tour guide, Sondra. It was a "bellsimo day" as we visited Siena, San Gimignano, Pisa and enjoyed a delightful lunch in the Chianti countryside at a wine farm. Back home (12 hours later), Patrizia treated us to a delicious supper in our courtyard and we celebrated a very special occasion!
A "Bellisimo" Day in Venice! - Sept 20
What a beautiful day we had for our trip to Italy's charming city of water on Monday. Eleven of us took this optional tour while Barb, Sandy, Tony and Charlene had their own adventures in Florence. Our two-hour train ride was very relaxing and we arrived for about six hours of enjoying Venice. The vaporetta (water bus) took us all the way down the Grand Canal to Piazza San Marco. Everyone had a nice time eating, shopping, sightseeing and wandering back to the train station for our ride back home. No one got really, really lost! Hope you'll like seeing Venice as much as we did!
Sunday Stroll - Sept 19
We strolled around Florence on Sunday taking in some of the sights and learning more about this fascinating city. The Santa Maria Novella Perfumery was a highlight along with our stop in Piazza Vecchio along with hundreds of other Sunday sightseers. Seems that everyone loves Florence! Come along with us via these photographs.
Saturday in Lucca - Sept 18
After a leisurely morning, we took the first of our Tuscany train trips this afternoon. Today's destination was "Lovely Lucca" which was "Lively Lucca" as there was a antique and craft fair going on. Everyone had a good time, but no one brought back any major purchases! We were back in Florence around nine o'clock. Enjoy the photos from our adventure today!
Around Firenze and Fiesole - Sept 17
On Friday we boarded the HO-HO (Hop-on,Hop-off bus) to take a guided tour around Firenze(Florence) and up to beautiful Fiesole. We had a few sprinkles of rain here and there, but mostly it was good weather. The afternoon was free for relaxing or more Ho-Ho since the ticket is good for two days. Some went grocery shopping and some went to our next door restaurant "Ernie & Pete's" for a great Italian dinner. Today we will take a one o'clock train to Lucca where we hear an antique and craft show is going on . . . more later!
We're Counting the Days!
It's a week before the first of our "Florence Family" gathers at LaContessina in the heart of Tuscany. Bags are being packed and lists checked as we anticipate our long-awaited adventure. We hope you will enjoy your "passport" to Italy with us via this blog site. You will read about our daily activities and see photographs taken along the way. Stay tuned for our first entry coming up on the 16th or 17th!
In the meantime, you are welcome to take a look at last year's photos until we fly across the Atlantic and land in Florence! Just click on "Older Posts" below. More later!
In the meantime, you are welcome to take a look at last year's photos until we fly across the Atlantic and land in Florence! Just click on "Older Posts" below. More later!