The Last Day for This Group - September 28

Four of our group - Oliver and Suzanne, Lou and Liz - left before sunrise this morning on their way back home while the others enjoyed one last day.  The morning was spent doing the last minute shopping and packing bags for the flights tomorrow.  In the afternoon we visited the Duomo and Baptistery and saw the original  15th century bronze doors known as the "Gates of Paradise" at the museum.  We gathered in the La Contessina courtyard to toast new friendships and a great time together on the tour.  Five of us enjoyed a wonderful dinner at a restaurant Jane found for us called Giovanni's.  It was a perfect end to a great two weeks in Florence.  Sadly (and perhaps a little gladly) it's back to the airport for flights home in the morning. A good time was had by all and more travelers will arrive on Tuesday.  Arrividerci!













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Venice - The Floating City - September 27

Eight of us took the optional day trip to Venice on Friday.  The fast train got us there in just two hours so we has a whole day to enjoy Europe's only pedestrian city.  Everybody moves by boat or foot in Venice.  Our "cruise" on the vaporetta or water bus gave us an opportunity to see how many different boats there are along with the iconic gondolas.  The houses, small canals, bridges, churches and other sights made for a great tour of this unique city.  After a short tour around St. Mark's Square everyone was off on their own pursuits of sightseeing, shopping and dining until we met again at sunset at the train station.  You are invited to come along via the photos to see Venice today.  More later . . .



















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In the Chianti Countryside - September 26

We enjoyed the beauty of Tuscany today as we drove outside Florence into Chianti country.  We had our own minibus and driver to take us to the World War II American Cemetery and then to the Verrazzano Castle and Winery.  Walking through the cemetery with its thousands of white crosses was a moving experience as we honored those Americans who fought and died in the Italian campaign and were buried here.  Nearby we arrived at the ancestral home of Giovanni Verrazzano who sailed to the New World in 1524 - right into the harbor that is now Southport, NC and into the Cape Fear River.  He also made discoveries in New York where a bridge is now named for him.  We discovered that the remaining castle, grounds and wine cellars on the estate were most interesting and the views from the hilltop vantage point were truly pure Tuscan beauty.  Gino, our poetical guide was fantastic and so was the outstanding food and wine we were happy to indulge in tasting.  It was over two hours before we pushed ourselves away from the table where everyone had a wonderful time.  Today was truly a highlight of the two-week tour!  Enjoy the photos - just wish you could have a taste or two!  More later. . .






















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