Reset search
Guazzelli Europe & UK 2024
  • Anne Guazzelli
  • Anne Guazzelli

Guazzelli Europe & UK 2024

A 35-day adventure by Anne Read more
+6
FollowInsightsInsightsCalendarCalendarPhotosPhotosShareShareBucket list
InsightsCalendarPhotos
  • Trip start
    September 16, 2024
    Anne GuazzelliGuazzelli Europe & UK 2024Traveler
    Ready for the long haul!
    3We made it!Crossing the EquatorCrossing the Equator

    Guazzelli's Europe & UK 2024

    September 15, 2024 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 16 °C

    After having passport and train dramas, we got in the air. Smooth flight, great entertainment options. More train dramas on arrival in Rome and then took ages to find hotel because of WiFi issues. Finally to bed at 12.45 Rome time!Read more

  • Anne GuazzelliGuazzelli Europe & UK 2024Traveler
    1Check out the top speed of the train!
    Mount VesuviusInside PompeiiA beautiful fresco1How did they build these villages on top of the mountains?1A gorgeous street in Termoli.The Castello Svevo in Termoli

    Rome - Termoli

    September 18, 2024 in Italy ⋅ ☁️ 15 °C

    A very scenic train ride to Naples followed by an intense drive around the streets in the hire car. Had an amazing time at Pompeii. It is so big! Drove across country to Termoli for the night. Such a relaxing place after Rome.Read more

  • Anne GuazzelliGuazzelli Europe & UK 2024Traveler
    These covered footpaths are everywhere, Bologna
    BolognaBolognaFerrari Musem, ModenaFerrari Museum, ModenaMaserati Salesroom, ModernaMaserati Salesroom, ModernaA blurry sign for the Radici PassMagnificent views2600ft above sea level Montefiorino1A true medieval village in a stunning location1Castiglione - the original home of the Guazzelli's1Pizzaria Guazzelli @ Piazza al Sercho. Awesome pizza & dessert

    Bologna-Barga

    September 20, 2024 in Italy ⋅ ☁️ 15 °C

    What a day. Started with an early walk to the old city centre of Bologna. So very old and gorgeous. Modena for Ferrari Museum and Maserati Salesroom. The boys were in heaven. We drove up the mountain and over the Radici Pass. Magnificent. If you have the chance in your life - do it. Photos do not do it justice. We passed through Castiglione, where the Guazzelli's originated. Will visit tomorrow. To Barga to check in. Lovely spot. Found the Guazzelli pizza restaurant for dinner then back to Barga.Read more

  • Anne GuazzelliGuazzelli Europe & UK 2024Traveler
    View from Duomo di San Christiforo
    View from Duomo di San ChristiforoTiny truckThe apple tree Jacko's grandfather grafted pre 1927The house Jacko's grandfather grew up inThe house in Castigleone that Jacko's great grand father grew up in. Possibly built late 1500sFortezza VerrucoleFortezza VerrucoleFortezza Verrucole. That was a very steep climb in places but so worth the effort.We called this a 'Trucktor'Barga

    Castiglione and surrounds

    September 21, 2024 in Italy ⋅ ⛅ 16 °C

    Early morning walk through old city of Barga. Lots of stairs and uphill paths. Gorgeous little alley ways. Scenery stunning. Went to farm where Jacko's grandfather grew up. Then to Castigleone where the Guazzelli's lived from at least 1500s. Beautiful place. Then to La Fortezza Di Verrucole. A fortress on top of a very big mountain. The path was quite steep in some places. Very interesting place. We couldn't get into the turret building due to the
    'Cosplay'. People dressed up as characters from movie or video games. Made for interesting sight seeing! Visited the Fortezza at Verrucole. Words cannot describe some things. Back to Barga to for dinner.    Read more

  • Anne GuazzelliGuazzelli Europe & UK 2024Traveler
    This translates to 'speed camera'
    Tiny truck1The apple tree that Jacko's grandfather grafted pre 1927The house Jacko's grandfather grew up in1The house Jacko's great grand father grew up in. C15601Fortezza Verrucole. Very steep path. Attackers had no hope!Fortezza Verrucole. It's a long way up there!We decided that this is called a TrucktorBarga

    Castigleone and surrounds

    September 21, 2024 in Italy ⋅ ⛅ 15 °C

    Early morning walk through Barga and up to the church. I wish they would clean their paintings! They are hundreds of years old. Castigleone for exploration and lunch. Had a look through Fortezza Verrucole. Full of people dressed in game or fantasy movie characters. Very out there. Back to Barga to explore streets and dinnerRead more

  • Anne GuazzelliGuazzelli Europe & UK 2024Traveler
    Devil's Bridge
    1Devil's BridgeDevil's Bridge2Giovanna- a pocket rocket!Doors & portcullis of Pisa walled cityAmazing1You can really see the lean here1We love bells!The biggest bell1View of Pisa from the towerWalls of the old cityBack to Devil's Bridge. These people made good use of the railway line!

    Barga-Pisa

    September 22, 2024 in Italy ⋅ ⛅ 19 °C

    First stop cemetery to see graves of Jacko's great grand parents. Then to Valdottova to see Giovanna (distant relative to Guazzelli's). She is 90 and amazing. She walked us down to her local Cafe and insisted on buying coffee for us. Not being coffee drinkers Filip & Nicolo had a coke, Jacko had a beer and I had a wine. Mind you this was 10.20am! We reluctantly left her for Lucca. After lunch in the main Piazza of the walled city, we visited the Torture Museum. Sadistic goings on back then. Next stop the Devils Bridge. See photos. Final stop Pisa and the Leaning Tower. What a structure. We climbed the 251 steps to the top. Took some doing! View awesome again. Booked into accommodation. Walked 1km to have tea in recommended restaurant. Good choice. Back by 9pm. Bed time.Read more

  • Anne GuazzelliGuazzelli Europe & UK 2024Traveler
    1Looking down the boat ramp at Riomaggiore
    Steps cut into the stone Riomaggiore2Crossing into FranceMisty French hillsMisty French hillsThe Pink Palace, MonacoGorgeous mountains, France1Looking down the street from our accommodation in Marseilles

    Pisa Marseilles

    September 23, 2024 in France ⋅ 🌙 19 °C

    Up early and on the road by 7. Stopped at Riomaggiore on the Cinque Terre Coast. Very scenic coastline. Stayed for about an hour then back on the road. Took the motorway around Genoa- heavy rain at times. Lost count of the amount of tunnels we passed through. More wonderful scenery when we could see it. Our aim was Monaco for lunch. We got to Monaco, but while trying to find a parking place, we nearly ended up in the dock for a flash private yacht, and the next effort put us on the road to Nice. Our time in Monaco was short, and informative - next time, get a train! We lunched in Nice - a very different experience to lunching in Italy! We got to Marseilles around 5pm. A stressful time trying to get parking, fighting with the keypad to get in the accommodation. Dinner in the street at one of the many places available. Relatively early night.Read more

  • Anne GuazzelliGuazzelli Europe & UK 2024Traveler
    Steps to Marseilles Train Station
    A wet waterfront at ToulonToulonGreek ruins in Marseilles2St Vincent de Paul Cathedral MarseillesCatherdrale La MajeureCatherdrale La MajeureCatherdrale La Majeure1Cathedrale La MajeureFort St Jean (with tower). Fort St Nicholas in the back groundNotre Dame De La Garde

    Marseilles

    September 24, 2024 in France ⋅ ☁️ 19 °C

    Had a very casual morning. At 11.30 caught train to Toulon to look at navy ships in dock. Got there to find rain. We had lunch in a waterfront restaurant. Only 1 navy ship in. We had a walk around and then caught train back. Arrived back in Marseilles to lovely sunshine. While walking around to the marina we explored some side streets and found a couple of lovely churches. The one we wanted to see is called Cathedrale La Majeure. Stunning. Walked all around the marina and had dinner at another waterfront restaurant. It turned out to be an Italian one! Nevertheless the food was delicious. On the way back to our room we bought some fruit. Marseilles is a very busy place. The centre is a bit dodgy and quite dirty. The waterfront is very clean. Our advice is to stay in Toulon and train to Marseilles.Read more

  • Anne GuazzelliGuazzelli Europe & UK 2024Traveler
    Marseilles- we were on the third floor
    Vapour trails as we left Marseilles3Misty mountainsSouthern French AlpsSouthern French AlpsSouthern French Alps1Ice, Chamonix2Chamonix

    Marseilles- Chamonix

    September 25, 2024 in France ⋅ ☁️ 10 °C

    We were happy to leave Marseilles behind. The drive up to and through the mountains was spectacular despite detours and very winding roads. Again, photos do not do the mountains justice. Arrived at Chamonix around 4pm. Not sure which one is Mont Blanc, but it doesn't matter as the mountains are unbelievable. We had a wander around the older part of town. Had dinner at a new restaurant, which was very tasty. The views from the town are ever changing and mind-blowing.Read more

  • Anne GuazzelliGuazzelli Europe & UK 2024Traveler
    1No mountains this morning!
    More misty mountainsIntense agricultureA really good use of land!Railway lineThe White Eagle. Can't find out anything about it. It's carved from stone and quite large.Simplon Hospiz - now a hotel1Cows with bellOne of the many gorgeous waterfalls3I had to use this!Looking down on the clouds - we drove through this twice - going up then going downAnother waterfall

    Chamonix- Li Curt

    September 26, 2024 in France ⋅ 🌫 12 °C

    We left Charmonix in the rain. Luckily we got to see the mountains yesterday. Across the border into Switzerland. We found a bar/restaurant at 2000m altitude. Over the road is the old Hospice which is now a Hotel. From there through more spectacular mountain scenery. Back into to the top of Italy and then again into Switzerland, heading for Brusio (home of the Pedretti's - Jacko's grandmothers family).
    We drove up a very skinny, winding road, through the clouds to Viano (above the clouds 1400m elevation) to see if Pedretti's there were related - no.
    Back down the mountain to book in, then off to find a bar for tea. Early night tonight.    Read more

  • Anne GuazzelliGuazzelli Europe & UK 2024Traveler
    1My type of woodshed! Li Curt Switzerland
    Gucci Ski Lift, SwitzerlandMore stunning scenery, SwitzerlandNicolo in the snow, SwitzerlandBoguns in the snow. It was 7°C at the time!SwitzerlandA Guest House. Don't know the name of the town.Built in 1728Somebody still lives in this one. GermanyStrasbourgCatherdrale Notre Dame, Strasbourg. Construction began in the 9th century and completed in the 13th1Straight?Notre Dame StrasbourgStrasbourg

    Li Curt - Strasbourg

    September 27, 2024 in Switzerland ⋅ 🌫 11 °C

    Yesterday was wet. Today began with sunshine. We were on the road before 8am. More glorious scenery through Switzerland. We got to Vaduz (Lichtenstein) at about 10.30 after achieving another altitude record of 3013m above sea level. Such a beautiful little city. We even found some snow on the side of the road. We gradually came out of the mountains for lunch in Germany. Then back into France and arrived at Strasbourg about 5.30. What a stunning city this is. Catherdrals, old buildings, bridges - this place has got the lot and such an awesome vibe. We caught the train/tram back to our hotel at 9.30 pm.Read more

  • Anne GuazzelliGuazzelli Europe & UK 2024Traveler
    Lovely little lane
    Douaumont MemorialFort de DouaumontLunch on the runA Belgian bridgeOur accommodation in Blankenberge2Very skinny staircasesBlankenberge beachBlankenberge sunsetMore Blankenberge beach1The ferry from Dover to Zeebrugge. I was on this ferry 36 years ago!

    Strasbourg- Blankenberge

    September 28, 2024 in France ⋅ ⛅ 11 °C

    Gloomy morning but eventually cleared up. First stop was Verdun for the Verdun Citadel Museum (WW1). We had a visual tour through the underground tunnels depicting the lives of WW1 French soldiers. Very interesting. Then to Fort de Douaumont, which was a defence fort against the Germans in WW1. This area is riddled with trenches and memorials.
    Our last big drive today. So much to see by the roadside. Saw lots of 'broadacre' farmland - mainly corn (stock feed) and sunflowers. A mix of other crops.
    Arrived in Blankenberge by 5.30. Road works held up traffic for our direction, but the other direction had a huge back up.
    A delightful beachside town with lots of food choices, though some restaurants closed due to end of tourist season.
    The house we are staying in has the skinniest staircase we have ever seen. There are 5 floors in all. This house is on the heritage list (along with most of the street). We think could be 250 years old at least.    Read more

  • Anne GuazzelliGuazzelli Europe & UK 2024Traveler
    One Cathedral in Bruge.
    Another oneIt is hugeThis building dates from 1579How cool!The grave of George Archer Walker, FranvillersPeter Pedretti, 16th Batallion, Villers-Bretonneux (he's near the top)Looking towards the Australian Memorial, Villers-BretonneuxThere were many of theseVillers-Bretonneux

    Blankenberge- Rouen

    September 29, 2024 in Belgium ⋅ ☁️ 9 °C

    A little bit of a sleep in. On the road by 9.30 into Bruge city. No traffic on a Sunday! The centre of Bruge is beautiful. Not 1 but 3 beautiful cathedrals to see. The cobbled streets have gorgeous old buildings.
    Back on the road at 11.30. Drove through some very scenic farmland.
    Our first stop was Franvillers to place a poppy at a grave in the cemetery. If you want to know the story, ask me when I get home. It was quite emotional. Next we went to Villers-Bretonneux War Cemetery. The connection is through Jacko's grandmother. Once again ask about it when we get home. We placed another poppy there. Mum would be proud to know that two of the poppies she knitted have found a home on the Somme. It is an amazing place. There are bullet holes from the Germans in WW2. Another emotional encounter. We checked in to our Rouen accommodation at 6 and had a relaxing evening.    Read more

  • Anne GuazzelliGuazzelli Europe & UK 2024Traveler
    Omaha Beach looking towards the English Channel
    American MonumentOmaha Beach. Lovely beachA photo on the front of the museumDisplay inside museumWind turbine blades. There a hundreds of these dotted around France, Belgium and a few ItalyThese wind turbines are either side of the Zeebruge boat channel.

    Rouen - Cherbourg

    September 30, 2024 in France ⋅ 🌬 16 °C

    We got going eventually at 10am. We all had a much needed sleep in. In drizzle we headed for Omaha Beach (D Day landings). On the way we stopped for lunch at Bayeux. So of course we had to go and see the Bayeux Tapestry. I have seen many pictures of it, but to see the real thing was amazing. Not allowed to take photos.
    From there to Omaha Beach to see American tanks etc. Not much to see on the beaches, so went to the Museum. A great display. From there to Cherbourg to drop off the car, followed by an intense 25 minute walk to ferry terminal (entrance to complex not made for pedestrians). We booked in, got on board, had a look around and then found the bar for a much deserved drink. Poole ETA 9.45pm.    Read more

  • Anne GuazzelliGuazzelli Europe & UK 2024Traveler
    Lichtenstein Castle
    Lichtenstein CastleBrugeBruge. Apparently executions took place hereBrugeStrasbourgStrasbourgConstanzeA Lichtenstein dog treat1Somewhere in SwitzerlandChamonixChamonixVaduz, LichtensteinTrain station near Marseilles

    Europe

    September 30, 2024 in Belgium ⋅ 🌬 16 °C

    We've had a full on 2 weeks. When we dropped the car off, we had clocked up about 3500kms. We saw some amazing sights, out there roads, outrageous drivers, lots of roadworks and the four of us had alot of fun exploring and discovering things and getting to know each other as a foursome again. I have included photos that missed the first cut. Apologies if some get repeated.Read more

  • Anne GuazzelliGuazzelli Europe & UK 2024Traveler
    The HMS Warrior
    There are 3 levels of theseHMS WarriorThe Warriors washing machinesHMS Victory. This is all you can see from the outside due to renovationsHMS Victory1One of the gun decisions HMS VictoryStonehenge3Stonehenge. Awesome but not as big as I thought it would be.

    Poole - Trowbridge

    October 1, 2024 in England ⋅ ☁️ 15 °C

    Pretty good sleep. Brekky & play with the dog (Doberman pup), we got on a bus, then a train and finally got to hire car yard in Southampton. It took 2 1\2 hours! Anyway finally on the road to the Historic Portsmouth Dockyards. We looked around the HMS Warrior. A big ship with lots of guns of all sizes and cannons. Lunch then off to the HMS Victory (Nelson's flagship in the Battle of Trafalgar). It is half way through restoration and the outer hull is covered by scaffold. The lower deck were very hard to move through. We were doubled over. Very uncomfortable. We then went to see the Mary Rose in the museum building. Quire impressive. Time to move on. After a missed turn we arrived at Stonehenge. We got the bus to the sight. Awesome to see, but not as big as I thought it would be. Very cold. On the road again and arrived at Jo's parents house before 7. Off to the pub for a very delicious dinner. Back to their house & bed.Read more

  • Anne GuazzelliGuazzelli Europe & UK 2024Traveler
    The Mersey River, Liverpool
    1The staircase at our accommodationA lovely building in Liverpool city centre1A stature of Cilla Black1The Cavern LiverpoolLiverpool2In the Cavern Club. Awesome place2The Cavern ClubMathew Street- live music everywhereJack BruceJohn Lennon

    Trowbridge - Liverpool

    October 2, 2024 in England ⋅ ☀️ 15 °C

    We had another slow start to the day (something to do with a late night!)
    Walked to the shop to restock on a couple of things then back on the road. About 4 hours later (after a stop for lunch) we arrived in Liverpool. Got settled into accommodation (city centre). Then went for a wander. Live music is everywhere and amazing. We went down to the Cavern Club. What an experience! Visited a few more bars then back to the Cavern Club before heading to bed. The music history here is superlative. Atmosphere is so positive. The music history is based on the Beatles , which is understandable, but the precinct is alive with live music.Read more

  • Anne GuazzelliGuazzelli Europe & UK 2024Traveler
    The Victoria monument, Liverpool
    Part of Albert Dock, Liverpool6Our 31st Anniversary todayGeorge Harrison's childhood homePaul McCartney childhood home1Any guesses??Did you guess right? Had us scratching our heads for a bit.Welsh countrysideVery fat Welsh sheepPedestrian bridge at HolyheadOur home for the night

    Liverpool - Holyhead

    October 3, 2024 in England ⋅ ⛅ 9 °C

    Gorgeous weather for our tour- Magical Mystery Tour. A bus tour around Liverpool showcasing Beatles childhood homes and landmarks. We really enjoyed it. Liverpool is a beautiful city. After lunch we caught the train from Lime Street Station to Holyhead. Lots of lovely scenery. The train took nearly 3 hours. We passed through the Welsh town with the longest name - Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch.
    Found our accommodation in Holyhead. Some reno's getting done to make more rooms - high demand. Could not find a pub that did food so had tea at a Thai restaurant. Delicious.    Read more

  • Anne GuazzelliGuazzelli Europe & UK 2024Traveler
    Farewell Wales
    WalesHolyheadThe Irish SeaIreland (Dublin)Maynooth CastleMaynooth CastleFarmland near Galway

    Holyhead - Galway

    October 4, 2024 in Wales ⋅ 🌬 12 °C

    A very smooth morning Ferry ride across the Irish Sea. Found a lovely taxi driver who had a great sense of humour. We picked up the hire car from a bloke who had no sense of humour (could be the computer problems he's been having for the last 12 months).
    We wanted to go to the Guinness Brewery for a late lunch, but saw the line outside and kept driving.
    We ended up having a lovely late lunch at Maynooth. Lots of lovely scenery again and falling down stone walls in the fields.
    Got to Galway and checked in. Walked into the city centre. Busy place on a Friday night. Visited a couple of bars and then home for an early night.    Read more

  • Anne GuazzelliGuazzelli Europe & UK 2024Traveler
    Scene from our accommodation window
    1A gorgeous little mountainA thatched cottageAtlantic Ocean from MullaghmoreMullaghmoreMullaghmore1Fairy's Bridge, Bundoran1Surfers at Bundoran Beach. Spot the Aussie!!Inside McCafferty's Bar, LettermacawardA photo at McCafferty's1I know someone who will appreciate this!! McCafferty'sErrigal, highest peak in Donnegal

    Galway - Ostan Loch Altan

    October 5, 2024 in Ireland ⋅ 🌧 15 °C

    Left Galway at 10. Took the Wild Atlantic Way. And what a way. Lots of beautiful farming country, gorgeous little villages and stunning, wild scenery. Arrived at Loch Altan at 5. Sorted laundry, dinner and then early night.Read more

  • 2026© FindPenguins
  • Home
  • About us
  • Group Tracking
  • Press
  • Terms
  • Privacy Policy & Cookies
  • Help Center
  • Legal notice