Italy was great!
Okay! I am finally able to write about my wonderful trip to Italy!
DAY 1 - SWITZERLAND- VERONA
After an early morning departure, we reached the Swiss Alps around noon, and enjoyed the splendid alpine scenery. After entering the Lake District, we viewed the Lake Lugano and Lago Maggiore on the Swiss side, then as we entered Italy we passed the majestic Lake Como. We arrived, mid-afternoon, in Verona. Our orientation tour highlighted the 1st century Roman arena and Juliet's balcony. We arrived in Venice that evening.
DAY 2 - VENICE
We took an early boat across the Venetian Lagoon to St Marcs Square, the historical center of Venice. We saw the St Marcs Basilica, the Doge's Palace, the legendary Bridge of Sighs and visited a glass-blowing work-shop. We also went for a gondola ride along the Grand Canal. After lunch we departed from Venice, through olive groves and Chianti vineyards we traveled south to Rome.
DAY 3 - ROME - VATICAN CITY
In the morning, we toured the Vatican. Together with a local art expert, we saw the incredible art collections of the Vatican museum. We were able to admire Michelangelo's frescoes at the Sistine Chapel and visit St Peters Basilica. After lunch, we toured Imperial Rome. We were able to see the monumental Colosseum, the Capitoline Hill and the Roman Forum. A highlight was the Pantheon (an ancient Temple dedicated to all the Gods) and Trevi Fountain.
DAY 4 - POMPEII
We started the day early for our full day excursion to the Gulf of Naples, where we first visited Pompeii, which was buried by erupting Mt Vesuvius in 79 AD. The secrets of ancient Roman life are revealed by our guide as we toured the excavations. We then drove to Sorrento (great for shopping), a famed resort town located on the cliffs overlooking the Mediteranean Sea.
DAY 5 - FLORENCE
After breakfast, we left Rome and headed north, arriving late morning in Florence. Our walking tour of Florence showed us the impressive Cathedral of Santa Maria dei Fiore, the Gates of Paradise, Piazza Signoria and the Santa Croce church (Tombs of Galileo and Michelangelo). We concluded the day with a Tuscan dinner.
DAY 6 - PISA
After a short drive, we arrived in Pisa. Here we viewed the world-renowned Leaning Tower of Pisa, which being set in the so called Field of Miracles, may avoid falling over! In the early afternoon, we departed for Germany!
DAY 1 - SWITZERLAND- VERONA
After an early morning departure, we reached the Swiss Alps around noon, and enjoyed the splendid alpine scenery. After entering the Lake District, we viewed the Lake Lugano and Lago Maggiore on the Swiss side, then as we entered Italy we passed the majestic Lake Como. We arrived, mid-afternoon, in Verona. Our orientation tour highlighted the 1st century Roman arena and Juliet's balcony. We arrived in Venice that evening.
DAY 2 - VENICE
We took an early boat across the Venetian Lagoon to St Marcs Square, the historical center of Venice. We saw the St Marcs Basilica, the Doge's Palace, the legendary Bridge of Sighs and visited a glass-blowing work-shop. We also went for a gondola ride along the Grand Canal. After lunch we departed from Venice, through olive groves and Chianti vineyards we traveled south to Rome.
DAY 3 - ROME - VATICAN CITY
In the morning, we toured the Vatican. Together with a local art expert, we saw the incredible art collections of the Vatican museum. We were able to admire Michelangelo's frescoes at the Sistine Chapel and visit St Peters Basilica. After lunch, we toured Imperial Rome. We were able to see the monumental Colosseum, the Capitoline Hill and the Roman Forum. A highlight was the Pantheon (an ancient Temple dedicated to all the Gods) and Trevi Fountain.
DAY 4 - POMPEII
We started the day early for our full day excursion to the Gulf of Naples, where we first visited Pompeii, which was buried by erupting Mt Vesuvius in 79 AD. The secrets of ancient Roman life are revealed by our guide as we toured the excavations. We then drove to Sorrento (great for shopping), a famed resort town located on the cliffs overlooking the Mediteranean Sea.
DAY 5 - FLORENCE
After breakfast, we left Rome and headed north, arriving late morning in Florence. Our walking tour of Florence showed us the impressive Cathedral of Santa Maria dei Fiore, the Gates of Paradise, Piazza Signoria and the Santa Croce church (Tombs of Galileo and Michelangelo). We concluded the day with a Tuscan dinner.
DAY 6 - PISA
After a short drive, we arrived in Pisa. Here we viewed the world-renowned Leaning Tower of Pisa, which being set in the so called Field of Miracles, may avoid falling over! In the early afternoon, we departed for Germany!