Day 8 – Pizza Finale – May 29th

 

We concluded our wonderful free day in Rome with a special pizza making farewell dinner at La Carovana. A toast to Rome with a glass of champagne and authentic Italian appetizers lead to great fun with our pizza-making lessons. Everyone was very proud of their personal pizza masterpieces – what a fabulous way to end our trip

Reflecting on the past week it is hard to imagine all that we have seen and done……..the gondolas in Venice, orchard fields in Tuscany, the Masters of Florence, the breathtaking views from Assisi and unbelievable history of Rome. Our group has travelled so well together. We have made good friends and memories to last a lifetime.

Ciao to you, our beautiful Italy

Blog by Vicki Skolrood and Mary LaRocque

Day 7 – In footsteps of the Romans – May 28th

This morning we left on foot to the Metro station close to our hotel. We then had our first Roman experience on the slightly crowded subway (rush hour).

We crossed though Termini Station and headed over to the Coliseum. Walking out of the Metro we were awed at the beauty of what was once the showcase of the Roman Gladiators. We hired a guide who told of us the many interesting facts of the Coliseum and the Forum.  Did you know that in less than 10 minutes 50,000 spectators could enter of exit one of the multitude of gates?

From there we went to the Spanish Steps by Metro. It really is the most economical and fastest way to travel (1 Euro). The shopping at the Via della Corsa was excellent from Gucci to Prada, Burberry to Guess. There is something for everyone. We got caught in the first rain of our trip but that didn’t dampen our spirits.

As this is our last day, we decided we were torn between our love of home to our new love of Rome.

Blog by Sherry and Renae

Day 6 - Rome the Eternal City - May 27th

We met our guide Claudia at 9am and started our tour to the Trevi Fountains; a very beautiful historic site.  Luckily we were there early in the monring and were able to get good pictures and get very close to the fountain.  Any later and it would have been very busy and too crowded.  The story about the fountain is that if you throw 1 coin over your left shoulder using your right hand, you will return to Rome...if you throw 2 coins, you will get married and if you throw 3 coins, you get divorced.  You choose your number!!!

There are no words to describe my awe at this monumental city with so many impressive sites, blessed Saints, paintings, sculptures and churches! The perfection and attention to detail and colour of 'The Last Supper', The Garden of Eden and the Resurrection along with the Last Judgement behind the alter in the Sistine Chapel was nothing but impressive.

We never imagined so much histroy condensed in Rome. ....A must see destination for all history buffs.

Blog by:  Mojan and Victoria

Day 5 - All roads lead to Rome - May 26th

Last night we had a great night with
our fellow travel agents playing like children on a Carousel and sipping Limoncello at a sidewalk bistro in Montecantini. 

After breakfast we were off to see the medieval town of Assisi. 

The Basilica di San Francisco and the Basilica di Santa Chiani are dedicated to St. Francis and St. Clare, strong Italians involved in the Franciscan movement.  Assisi has become a popular destination for visitors as the bodies of St. Francis and St. Clare are buried here in the crypt.  This is a unique little town that consists of cobblestone streets, ancient buildings, shops and bistros. After a day in Assisi, we were

back on the road and off to Rome to have dinner at Grotta Azzurra.

Looking forward to a very busy 1st day in Rome.  Stay tuned!

Blog created by Randeen and Johnny Kloeckes

Day 4 - Under the warm Tuscan sun with David - May 25th

sCiao Bella!

Just when you think that you can't be surprised anymore, yet another incredible piece of architecture rises from the ground.  Though we were not able to get into the Accademia Museum to see the original "David", our local guide Sam took us to see the magnificent replica, as well as the original statues of Neptune, Hercules and Zeus. 

If you thought that we had shopped enough, guess again!!  Florence is known for it's gold and leather.  It would be a tragedy to not mention the wonderful local artists as they were everywhere with beautiful original pieces...and some NOT so original! 

To finish our day in Florence, we made our way back to the restaurant where we'd had lunch for another "cold one"...gelato or beer, you decide!  Our waiter, Ismael, was just as good as he had been at lunch.

The drive back to Montecatini took us past many nurseries with a wonderful array of shrubs and trees.  Tomorrow we're off to Roma after a morning stop in Assisi...stay tuned!! 

Blog by Helen Dyck and Alison Moody-Stuart

Day 3 - Lunch and Leaning - May 24th

Took a waterboat from Venice and bussed to Fattoria il Poggio in Tuscany where we had a truly wonderful lunch!!  The food was fantastic with a wine sampling (6 different kinds) and the decibel level got louder and louder in accordance with the fun.   

Next we were off to Pisa to see the churches and the tower. At this point we wondered if the tower was acutally leaning or if it was just us!!

The highlight of the day was 'lunch' at the winery (and beverages).  This is not to be missed.

Blog done by Erin & Peggy

Day 2 - Venice - May 23rd

Still in magnicficent Venice!! In the early morning, we started with our local guide on a sightseeing tour of Venice. The highlight was the Palace with the spiral staircase.

The information was clearly relayed via the Giorgio system. Sights consisted of Doges Palace (exterior), the Rialto Bridge and the Basilica. Later we toured a Murano Glass factory and were amazed by the 'glass master'. In the heat of the Italian sun, we were relieved by the Chocolate, Coconut Gelato (yummy - no calories!).

The evening was complete with a gondola ride on the Grand Canal. Venice was amazing and has truly captured our hearts. Venice has exceeded our expectations and I can hardly wait to see what tomorrow will bring.

Blog created by: Jackie & Rob Stach