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Italy/Croatia '24 En savoir plus

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Début du voyage
29 février 2024
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Jour 1
jeudi 29 février 2024 à 19:59
☁️ 13 °C
Altitude: Niveau de la mer
Italie Capo di Posillipo 40.799434, 14.21803940°47’58” N 14°13’5” E
Italy/Croatia 2024
29 février 2024, Italie ⋅ ☁️ 13 °C
Early morning start for 0700 flight to Naples. (We had 2 days in UK to get over jetlag and buy shoes!)
Easy flight and arrived to sunshine. Met our driver who took us to our first stop, Minori, on the Amalfi coast. Amazing views as we climbed up and up, round incredible hairpin bends. Mt Vesuvius looked huge; terraced row upon row of lemon and orange trees. All covered in nets but fruit very visible.
After 130 steps we arrived at our home for the next few days. Beautiful view from our terrace.
Slipped right into the culture - aperitivo time followed by freshly made pizza. I can recommend the local wine!En savoir plus
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VoyageurBeautiful! Looks like an easy place to get used to 😊
02/03/2024RépondreTraduire
VoyageurYes, quite easy. Not as adventurous as you Pauline!
02/03/2024RépondreTraduire
Just a small G&T then 😜x [Val]
04/03/2024RépondreTraduire
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Jour 2
vendredi 1 mars 2024 à 20:15
⛅ 10 °C
Altitude: 181 m
Italie Park on the Knoll 40.867, 14.238540°52’1” N 14°14’19” E
1
Minori
1 mars 2024, Italie ⋅ ⛅ 10 °C
Got to grips with the coffee maker - well, sort of! Definitely a forerunner of today's models.
Set off on foot to explore neighbouring Maiori. This involves hugging the edge of a very narrow road (still mostly 2 way traffic) around the cliff edge. Not for the faint hearted but definitely a way of life here as people trek back and forth. Sadly we missed the market but we had a good wander around, sheltering in doorways when it absolutely poured!
We are in low season so everything is relatively quiet and not a lot of restaurants etc open. One can easily imagine how busy it soon will be. That said we went into the local deli in Minori and had the most amazing sandwich. The baguette was crammed full with fresh cut ham, mozza, tomatoes and arugula. Bursting with flavour! We enjoyed that on a seafront bench.
As you can tell, we are slowing down!En savoir plus
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VoyageurLooks amazing! You are making me want to go to Italy. It sounds nice and peaceful there at this time of year.
02/03/2024RépondreTraduire
VoyageurIt certainly is quiet. No queues or crowds.
03/03/2024RépondreTraduire
🤦‍♀️🤷‍♀️ no wonder you struggled! Val [Val]
04/03/2024RépondreTraduire
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Jour 3
samedi 2 mars 2024 à 20:04
🌙 11 °C
Altitude: 181 m
Italie Park on the Knoll 40.867, 14.238540°52’1” N 14°14’19” E
2
Amalfi
2 mars 2024, Italie ⋅ 🌙 11 °C
Bus adventures! Missed the first as we had no ticket. An hour for the next one so purchased tickets at Tabacchi then went for coffee and cake. Good choice.
Opted to get to bus stop 20 mins early. Good idea as the bus arrived 5 mins later. A hair raising, hairpin drive with fabulous coast scenery. Do NOT drive in Amalfi!
Lovely stroll through tiny side streets and passages to avoid the definitely touristy area of the main street. Everything printed with lemons or the name. Two way traffic thru what appeared to be a pedestrian area. Crazy, delightful chaos.
Found a great spot for lunch - home made vegetable soup, fish and lemon potato croquettes and a glass of local rose vino.
Checked out the impressive cathedral from the outside only & walked the waterfront.
Bus home, picked up supplies for pasta and salad. People so friendly and helpful.En savoir plus
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Voyageur Looks delicious!
03/03/2024RépondreTraduire
VoyageurMost of my travel missteps and frustration involve transportation! Sounds like it worked out well. Another beautiful town
03/03/2024RépondreTraduire
Voyageur Coffee & cake while we wait for bus.
06/03/2024RépondreTraduire
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Jour 4
dimanche 3 mars 2024 à 20:24
⛅ 13 °C
Altitude: 371 m
Italie Duomo Ravello 40.649664, 14.61227540°38’59” N 14°36’44” E
Ravello
3 mars 2024, Italie ⋅ ⛅ 13 °C
Hung out the washing and hoped for sunshine. Off to Ravello which meant two buses, lots of hairpin bends. Almost 1.5 hrs in Amalfi for connection but a beautiful day and a lot more locals and tourists about. Standing room only on the bus and packed!
Ravello is high up and "the most elegant of the small cities of the Amalfi coast". The views are amazing, particularly from Villa Rufolo. In the summer they hold classical concerts here which must be fantastic. There is a huge auditorium on the hillside, not unlike the Eden one in UK.
A beautiful, serene place and we were able to appreciate that serenity virtually on our own.
We opted to take The Lemon Path back down to Minori. It took us well over an hour to negotiate countless steps and beautiful views, glimpses of private gardens and endless lemon trees laden with fruit.
Legs like jelly we headed to our favourite aperitivo bar. The two glasses of Prosecco were divine!En savoir plus
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Jour 5
lundi 4 mars 2024 à 15:13
☁️ 12 °C
Altitude: 261 m
Italie Monument of Guido Monaco 43.4631, 11.878343°27’47” N 11°52’42” E
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1 1 1
Cetara
4 mars 2024, Italie ⋅ ☁️ 12 °C
Our 35th wedding anniversary. Pouring rain which cleared so set off via bus for Cetara. A small fishing village , along the coast from Salerno.
More hair raising twisty roads; Richard was behind the driver so had full view of every sheer drop as we turned! A female cyclist was holding us up for a while as she blithely pedaled along, one hand on phone, holding a conversation. Even the driver was floored!
Rain stopped exploration so we ducked into the tiniest of restaurants. Only ones there, plus one chef and 3 assistants!
Lovely pasta with walnuts, anchovies, olives, pine nuts and ricotta. Richard had pasta with mussels. Excellent. Time for beach combing and a few sea glass finds before heading homeward.
Dinner out at La Botte altho not able to do it justice after lunch.En savoir plus
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VoyageurHappy Anniversary 😊
06/03/2024RépondreTraduire
Voyageur Everything is really colorful, food, houses - great!
06/03/2024RépondreTraduire
Voyageur I love that colour
06/03/2024RépondreTraduire
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Jour 6
mardi 5 mars 2024 à 15:37
☁️ 15 °C
Altitude: 261 m
Italie Monument of Guido Monaco 43.4631, 11.878343°27’47” N 11°52’42” E
1
Move to Sorrento
5 mars 2024, Italie ⋅ ☁️ 15 °C
Two buses and 4 hours later we arrive in Sorrento, with sunshine. Amazing coastal scenery as we drove through Furore, Positana and more. Our lodgings are just 3 mins walk from train and bus and central for most things.
Unpacked then set off to explore. Hard to believe I last visited here 50 years ago. It has grown and changed somewhat!
Found the elevator to take us down to the port and got all the info on ferry's to Capri. An afternoon for sauntering and stopping to have a beer, which turned into late lunch. Lovely!En savoir plus
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Voyageur I love those terraced gardens
06/03/2024RépondreTraduire
VoyageurSo many beautiful little towns and sounds like you know how to relax and enjoy a place 🙂
06/03/2024RépondreTraduire
VoyageurTrying!
08/03/2024Répondre
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Jour 7
mercredi 6 mars 2024 à 17:18
⛅ 10 °C
Altitude: Niveau de la mer
Pays-Bas Zijkanaal I 52.410479, 4.90303852°24’38” N 4°54’11” E
Pompeii
6 mars 2024, Pays-Bas ⋅ ⛅ 10 °C
Took the local train from Sorrento to Pompeii only to be told on arrival at 10am that it would not open until noon. However we could get in to see the Mystery Villa first which had some beautiful murals. Amazing that the colours had lasted so well.
By the time we had toured the villa, everything was open - no reason given for the hiccup. It was all quite spectacular - a town that had been preserved in volcanic ash and debris since 79 AD which was found in the 1700s. It was quite beautiful with gardens, obvious rooms, earthenware - even ruts in the roads where carts would have travelled. The amphitheatre was of special interest to Richard - Pink Floyd had recorded a concert film there in the 70s (playing to an empty theatre!). There is even a gallery of photographs cataloguing the event.
The whole site was quite moving; many areas are still undergoing restoration work.
We were lucky the weather stayed dry - would not have enjoyed walking on all those smooth stones!En savoir plus
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VoyageurLove the photos. Amazing how well preserved it is. Pompeii has been on my bucket list since I was a kid. One day…
11/03/2024RépondreTraduire
Amazing! [Val]
11/03/2024Répondre
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Jour 8
jeudi 7 mars 2024 à 18:06
☁️ 7 °C
Altitude: 9 m
Pays-Bas University of Amsterdam 52.3716, 4.888352°22’18” N 4°53’18” E
Sorrento
7 mars 2024, Pays-Bas ⋅ ☁️ 7 °C
After yesterday's sensory overload, a quieter day was in order! Figured out the washing machine (so glad I brought my tech guy along - he has been invaluable,!). We explored the myriad streets in the old town and it turned into a shopping expedition. All valid purchases for my outfit on 20 March!
Enjoyed a leisurely lunch at a nearby restaurant (note the interior festooned with hams and smoked goodies) and explored further to find some views across to the Bay of Naples and lemon gardens!En savoir plus
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VoyageurDid you find your Shrug 😂💕
11/03/2024RépondreTraduire
Voyageuryes Di - it turned out to be a linen jacket with unusual scarf!
13/03/2024RépondreTraduire
Looking forward to pics of the wedding 💕 [Diane]
14/03/2024RépondreTraduire
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Jour 9
vendredi 8 mars 2024 à 11:12
☀️ 6 °C
Altitude: 9 m
Pays-Bas University of Amsterdam 52.3716, 4.888352°22’18” N 4°53’18” E
2 2 1
Isle of Capri
8 mars 2024, Pays-Bas ⋅ ☀️ 6 °C
We picked a good day for the hydrofoil trip to Capri. Just 40 mins and we were docking. Rushed to buy tickets for the funicular before we were aware that it was closed for reno! Quite a long wait for the mini buses which careen around the island hairpins - and the buses are packed!
The town of Capri was super busy with tourists so we settled for a pricey coffee (10 euro each) so we could relax and people watch on the sunshine. It was like walking down Bond St - unbelievable shops. Lots of construction/reno happening. Probably prepping for the new season. We did a walk about but very quickly caught the bus to AnaCapri which was much quieter, very few, if any designer shops and more to our liking. Found a delightful square with tiled benches to eat our home made sandwiches - cotto ham, rocket, provolone and roma toms. Perfect!
Explored the beautiful church, had a cuppa in a cute little cafe and realised all too soon we had to head back to port, as I was ever hopeful of a dip at the little beach near the harbour.
Sadly far too windy for a dip in the turquoise waters so I settled for a paddle. Bliss. Beachcombing for sea glass and terracotta bits was so rewarding!
Headed home for last night in Sorrento, stopping en route for shirt shopping for Richard.En savoir plus
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Voyageur I love that ceiling
12/03/2024RépondreTraduire
VoyageurIt was in a simple little cafe. Very cooling all those shades of green. It was like a cavern.
13/03/2024RépondreTraduire
Voyageur At least you got your feet in!
12/03/2024RépondreTraduire
VoyageurHaha did indeed!
13/03/2024RépondreTraduire
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Jour 10
samedi 9 mars 2024 à 11:40
⛅ 9 °C
Altitude: 9 m
Pays-Bas University of Amsterdam 52.3716, 4.888352°22’18” N 4°53’18” E
Roma!
9 mars 2024, Pays-Bas ⋅ ⛅ 9 °C
Very wet day as we head to the station. First train to Napoli,then change to fast train for Rome. A total of 2.5 hours including change.
First train was very wet - water seeping in around door frames and windows that don't shut!
Second train a big improvement! They said fast - did not appreciate it would be 300km/hour. No, not a typo! Very smooth.
We were in Rome and checked in to our hotel with afternoon free for sightseeing. Still pretty wet so opted for hop on/off to get our bearings and stay dry. Apologies for rough photos - taken from moving bus! Jaw dropping sights - the size and number.
We did go to Trevi Fountain - huge crowds - mostly youngsters. Unfortunately I was not feeling great - frozen and sore throat so it was early supper and head back to hotel. Everywhere feels extremely safe, not much hassling from the occasional street vendors and lots of police cars/sirens!
Our hotel room had BBC world news so watched that loop for a while - enough reality.
Streets were very noisy at night, possibly due to Italy winning the rugby match in Rome today!En savoir plus
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VoyageurAnd I just commented that you’ve had great weather! Hahaha
12/03/2024RépondreTraduire
Loved the photos of the wedding Julie! What a wonderful trip you are having - photos show it so well - amazing places people living on steep cliffs! Sorry you had a sore throat and hope you're better now. My niece and husband were in Rome for the rugby match - they said it was so entertaining with bagpipes and kilts and LOTS of noise!! Wonder where you are now? You should do a Rick Steves series on Italy when you get back!! Love Helen [Helen Fox]
25/03/2024RépondreTraduire
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Jour 11
dimanche 10 mars 2024
☀️ 13 °C
Altitude: 13 m
Italie Cecina 43.295247, 10.52375143°17’43” N 10°31’26” E
Rome day 2
10 mars 2024, Italie ⋅ ☀️ 13 °C
A sick day for me - not going anywhere with this head cold. Richard went solo exploring on foot and using subway. He even found his favourite roast chestnuts!
I read, slept and recharged!
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VoyageurSorry to hear you weren’t feeling well. Always extra hard when travelling
12/03/2024RépondreTraduire
VoyageurThe day off helped.
13/03/2024RépondreTraduire
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Jour 12
lundi 11 mars 2024
☁️ 14 °C
Altitude: 13 m
Italie Parco di via Gigli 43.568047, 10.33182943°34’5” N 10°19’55” E
Rome day 3
11 mars 2024, Italie ⋅ ☁️ 14 °C
Feeling better after more sleep but can't face food. Richard solo again for breakfast. Shaking his head at Americans filling ziplock bags with croissants and fruit. They seem to think lunch is included too!
We head out in sunshine - hoorah - for The Pantheon. Used the metro like a couple of locals! Pantheon was incredible. It's massive! And what a feat of engineering, plus far too many slaves. But a thing of beauty. Timed our entry perfectly so no line up. It is now a church so appropriate rules enforced. The most remarkable feature is the dome which is open to the elements but apparently never gets flooded.
We found lunch near the Colosseum as Richard was booked for afternoon entry.. I headed back to the hotel, taking in the exterior of the Colosseum. Made one error on the Metro but made it back to the hotel in one piece! Feet up, tea and sleep.
Richard had an amazing afternoon and returned eventually, foot weary!
Time to pack bags as we are moving on to La Spezia tomorrow for a side trip to Cinque Terra.
It was lights out at 8pm. Gosh where did the stamina go?En savoir plus
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Enjoying your terrific photos immensely. And admire your bus, train etc adventures. Too bad about annoying cold. Perhaps hot toddy time. [Sharon]
12/03/2024RépondreTraduire
Excellent Rome photos - such an amazing city! [Camille Walker]
13/03/2024RépondreTraduire
VoyageurThank you all for taking a look and commenting. Appreciate it!
13/03/2024RépondreTraduire
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Jour 13
mardi 12 mars 2024 à 13:01
⛅ 15 °C
Altitude: 8 m
Italie Castagnolo 43.669682, 10.36224643°40’11” N 10°21’44” E
La Spezia
12 mars 2024, Italie ⋅ ⛅ 15 °C
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Jour 13
mardi 12 mars 2024 à 18:15
☀️ 13 °C
Altitude: 22 m
Italie Stazione La Spezia Centrale 44.110621, 9.81026944°6’38” N 9°48’37” E
La Spezia
12 mars 2024, Italie ⋅ ☀️ 13 °C
Arrivederci Roma - we left by high speed train and for hours later in La Spezia which is just a few mins train ride to Cinque Terra.
I should mention the fashion in Rome - so many smartly dressed people, oozing elegance. There was a group of ladies at Rome station - all wearing furs and outfits that were possibly a bit young for them?! Matching luggage and obviously off somewhere fabulous!
The train journey was very comfortable,- we were in 1st Class which cost about $60. The route took us along the coast (cruise ships spotted) and also inland where we saw olive trees, marble depots and even what looked like marble quarrying up in the hills. Fascinating.
Checked in around 3pm to our studio room (nice shower) leaving time to meander down the town. La Spezia was full of nice surprises ,- orange trees lining the main route, palm trees near the marina and quite elegant buildings. Didn't understand the sudden profusion of high end shops until we spotted the cruise ship in port!
Lovely "pasticceria" cafes with the yummiest of cakes!
We opted for early dinner again as I was getting super tired. Found a lovely (empty) restaurant for fusili with shrimp and zucchini. Richard had what he professed to be the best carbonara rounded off with chocolate torte.
Found our way back to the studio and called it a night. Thankfully streets were all quiet.En savoir plus
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VoyageurSounds like lots of eating, walking and sleeping with fabulous scenery - you must be on vacation!
16/03/2024RépondreTraduire
VoyageurYou got it!
16/03/2024RépondreTraduire
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Jour 14
mercredi 13 mars 2024 à 08:31
☁️ 9 °C
Altitude: 18 m
Italie Museo Piaggio 43.660423, 10.63214943°39’38” N 10°37’56” E
2
Cinque Terra
13 mars 2024, Italie ⋅ ☁️ 9 °C
Joined the masses for the short train ride to Vernazza on the coast. We decided not to go to every town so this was the farthest spot for us on the packed double decker train. Yikes what must high season be like?
Vernazza was so pretty with a beautiful waterfront. Spotted an ocean swimmer with full wetsuit enjoying a workout. You realise just how set into the cliffs the properties are; shop ceilings are rock!
As you would expect, lots of steps and gradients but the views are so worthwhile. Back to the station and hop on to head south to Manarola. Lots of shopping opps again - everything from seafood to go, to hats, belts and limoncello. There's even a Michelin starred restaurant. Interesting info displayed about an annual nativity which lights up the hill top each year.
Still winter season so lots of fishing boats are literally stored in the main street. Must be quite the job to take them down and into the water.
Found a great spot for lunch. I enjoyed triangular shaped pasta stuffed with ricotta and spinach, smothered in a rich walnut sauce. Delish! Richard went for spaghetti with king prawn.
Took the upward path from the harbour to the most beautiful view point filled with osteosporum in full bloom (did I get the plant name right?). Amazing how they farm on such steep terrain - and have gone for 100s of years.
Decided against the trek to Riomaggiore; altho it was the shortest hike in Cinque Terra it was also quite challenging.
Sun was with us today - getting up to 18c. Most people paring down to tee shirts.
Next stop by train was Riomaggiore. Sadly the most disappointing location - lots of construction/reno going on and some areas not easily accessible. We walked to the waterfront where many were taking a dip and then back to the station.
It had been a full day again - we were glad to to pick up a fresh made pizza from a place near our studio. Akin to waiting in the fish & chip shop queue! Fascinating to watch the chef manipulate the pizzas in the big wood fired oven. Literally wood fired with branches and all sorts of logs being fed in.En savoir plus
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VoyageurSuch amazing pics and can see you are feeling better now and have your appetite back 💕
14/03/2024RépondreTraduire
VoyageurI certainly am,! Thank you Di. Xoxo
14/03/2024RépondreTraduire
VoyageurIt really is picture perfect with those wonderful colourful buildings by the sea
14/03/2024RépondreTraduire
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Jour 15
jeudi 14 mars 2024 à 17:41
☀️ 16 °C
Altitude: 68 m
Italie Battistero di Firenze 43.773689, 11.25475943°46’25” N 11°15’17” E
Florence
14 mars 2024, Italie ⋅ ☀️ 16 °C
0830 train to Florence and we were checked in to accommodation by 1100. And we are literally right round the corner from The Duomo!
Unpacked and off we go again. First stop the local launderette which was very straight forward. The location was steps away from a huge street market area (leather and scarves everywhere) and a fabulous indoor market. A very popular spot for lunch it seems so we joined in with a very hearty Riballito (bread and veg soup) and pasta ragu. All for $24. You could even enjoy wine or beer with your food at the random seating areas. How very civilised!
Back to our room to hang up the laundry and regroup.
An afternoon strolling, getting our bearings for tomorrow's timed tickets and then a simple charcuterie board for supper. Meats were freshly sliced for each order. Simple but bursting with flavour and very satisfying. I must be getting over the cold; I enjoyed a glass of Chianti!
Walking back we popped into the local choc franchise. Oh my word - so many samples offered - including limoncello confections and a little schnapps. Couldn't resist buying a small pot of pistachio cream! Slept well!En savoir plus
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VoyageurThe food looks amazing
15/03/2024RépondreTraduire
VoyageurIt really is Eataly!!
16/03/2024RépondreTraduire
VoyageurYou are doing the Eat part of Eat Pray Love 🤣 fuel for all the sightseeing which looks amazing this is such a great way to record your travels 🥰
17/03/2024RépondreTraduire
VoyageurThank you Di, so glad everyone is enjoying! I'm enjoying it too. Makes me think about what I've been doing/seen.
17/03/2024RépondreTraduire
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Jour 16
vendredi 15 mars 2024 à 10:08
☁️ 11 °C
Altitude: 236 m
Italie Leccio di Poggio Amaro 43.473559, 11.61346643°28’25” N 11°36’48” E
1
Florence
15 mars 2024, Italie ⋅ ☁️ 11 °C
Day 2 Florence. We have set times to see The Baptistry Saint John and the Santa Reparata (the remains of the previous cathedral which was demolished when the existing one was complete).
Richard opted for the Duomo Cupola for the grand view after climbing over 400 steps.
Sauntered in the morning, a light lunch and then off to respective sites.
The Baptistry was amazing - an octagonal ceiling which has 1000 sq metres of mosaic embellishment. To this day it is in continual renovation, Stunning masterpiece. Three entryways have ornate bronze doors - the originals are in the museum on site.

Quick freshen up then time to catch up with brother Dave and Jane who arrived from Devon. Fun evening at Ciros & Sons.En savoir plus
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Voyageur A peek thru a workshop window
17/03/2024RépondreTraduire
Beautiful Firenze ❤️ - I hope you’re being much better now as the big day approaches xox [Val]
17/03/2024RépondreTraduire
Feeling [Val]
17/03/2024Répondre
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Jour 17
samedi 16 mars 2024 à 09:00
☁️ 11 °C
Altitude: 268 m
Italie Leccio di Poggio Amaro 43.470914, 11.62089643°28’15” N 11°37’15” E
Greve & Bucine
16 mars 2024, Italie ⋅ ☁️ 11 °C
Saturday morning and we collect our rental car, heading south to Greve and ultimately Bucine where the wedding will take place.
Greve is a lovely little town and we are definitely in Chianti country. The black rooster sign on the building is seen on many bottles in this area. Rolling countryside and lush green hills. It's beautiful country.
Settled in then headed to the next town to pick up the groceries and drinks for 13 people for the next few days. 5 shopping trolleys later!
Had our first glimpse of the villa as we dropped off everything. So exciting!
Dinner was in a delightful restaurant in Bucine. Walked home in the starry evening. Perfect. The last photo is the villa lit up.En savoir plus
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VoyageurSo excited for you all! Today’s the day!!💕
20/03/2024RépondreTraduire
You are living a dream! [Camille]
21/03/2024RépondreTraduire
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Jour 18
dimanche 17 mars 2024
☁️ 17 °C
Altitude: 6 m
Italie Piazzale Mediterraneo 41.771723, 12.22360941°46’18” N 12°13’25” E
1
Siena
17 mars 2024, Italie ⋅ ☁️ 17 °C
A few shots around the neighbouring winery before we head to Siena. I won't lie, it is hilly and we now always check the parking situation before heading out!
What a beautiful city and the main square is phenomenal. They run horse races here twice per year. Must be an amazing spectacle and packed with tourists of course. Richard managed to wrangle a ticket to climb the tower even tho the groups were fully booked. We found a lovely courtyard (painted ceilings) for a quiet little glass of vino. Quite getting used to the slower pace of life!
Headed back to Bucine as it is time to check in at the villa. So exciting and what a spectacular place. Built 17th century and used as a hunting lodge for nobility from Florence. Beautiful and so romantic.
Even more thrilling .... The pool is salt water and open for Dippers,!
Lovely family evening as 13 of us sat down to enjoy pasta dish cooked by Talia and just one or two bottles opened.....
Lovely sunset.En savoir plus
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VoyageurI can imagine that square being packed during peak season!!
24/03/2024RépondreTraduire
VoyageurIt was pretty busy even now but we are told there is no longer a shoulder season - just always busy!
24/03/2024RépondreTraduire
Voyageur The square is huge!
24/03/2024RépondreTraduire
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Jour 19
lundi 18 mars 2024 à 21:03
☁️ 15 °C
Altitude: 6 m
Italie Piazzale Mediterraneo 41.77173, 12.2236441°46’18” N 12°13’25” E
Quiet villa day
18 mars 2024, Italie ⋅ ☁️ 15 °C
A quiet day in order for everyone. Laundry top of the list and checking all the outfits are ready for Wednesday. Some went for a walk, a run, dip or working on their speech!
Various shots around the villa and view from Villa.En savoir plus
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What a beautiful villa xx [Val]
25/03/2024RépondreTraduire
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Jour 20
mardi 19 mars 2024
⛅ 12 °C
Altitude: 123 m
Croatie Zagreb - Centar 45.80856, 15.98123645°48’31” N 15°58’52” E
Rehearsal Dinner
19 mars 2024, Croatie ⋅ ⛅ 12 °C
Excitement builds! A morning drive into Arezzo (40 mins) for last minute purchases and a delicious croissant filled with pistachio cream! More of Arezzo on Friday./Saturday. Back to the villa to prep for tonight's catered pizza party for all 32 wedding attendees.
A wonderful evening and so much fun with the trivia quiz about Matt & Talia. Just a little pressure for the parents and their memories!En savoir plus
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VoyageurWow! A beautiful place for a rehearsal dinner!!
26/03/2024RépondreTraduire
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Jour 21
mercredi 20 mars 2024
☀️ 16 °C
Altitude: 126 m
Croatie Zagreb - Centar 45.808556, 15.98125345°48’31” N 15°58’53” E
Wedding day
20 mars 2024, Croatie ⋅ ☀️ 16 °C
The day dawned with clear blue skies and full on sunshine. Not too breezy. Simply perfect.
The caterers did a wonderful job of staging the villa; it was already perfect but the dining room was transformed with 100 pillar candles in glass jars, stunning greenery running the whole length of the dining table seating 32.
The florist brought in two massive urns full of olive branches, white roses, white ranunculas and blue centred anemones.
The emotional vows were exchanged on the upper balcony so as you watched the couple, their backdrop was the beautiful Tuscan countryside, sunshine lighting everywhere.
The newlyweds and parents went down the sweeping staircase to be showered with olive leaf confetti from friends and family above.
Most of the photos had been taken earlier so it was on with the cocktails and beautiful canapes on the front drive and entry porch.
Speeches were made prior to the four course meal so that everyone could relax & enjoy.
The evening was full of dancing, dancing, laughter and fun. The bride barely left the dance floor! Carriages arrived at 0100 and the villa residents gamely partied on until after 0200!
It was the most wonderful day. Pinch me!En savoir plus
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VoyageurPinch you indeed! It all looked absolutely perfect! How blessed you all are! Both Talia and Matt are glowing❤️
26/03/2024RépondreTraduire
VoyageurWhat am amazing setting for the wedding! I love that the ceremony was on the balcony with that incredible backdrop. The table looks so beautiful! Looks like a fantastic wedding
26/03/2024RépondreTraduire
VoyageurThank you for your lovely comments. The setting and weather just made it!
27/03/2024RépondreTraduire
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Jour 22
jeudi 21 mars 2024
⛅ 20 °C
Altitude: 134 m
Croatie Petar Preradović square 45.81175, 15.97395645°48’42” N 15°58’26” E
1
Recovery & onward travels
21 mars 2024, Croatie ⋅ ⛅ 20 °C
Not too many early risers this morning! Another lovely day but quite windy. The obligatory dip in the pool refreshed! A quiet day for packing, lounging round the pool and sharing photos and moments from yesterday. Beautiful brunch provided by the caterers fed us for the whole day.
Everyone left the villa by Friday morning, some train, some by car + all directions. We drove to Pisa, stopping at San Gimignano en route. It deserved so much more time - a beautiful old town with panoramic views.
We were on schedule to meet my brother at the airport - he kindly took a checked bag full of wedding attire back to the UK for us. We will take it on the final stage in a few weeks.
For us it was back to Florence, drop off the rental car and train to Arezzo for 2 nights.
Boy those hills are a workout with luggage! But we made it and found a lovely homely restaurant for our dinner. Slept well!En savoir plus
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Voyageur So idyllic
26/03/2024Répondre
VoyageurYou certainly are making the most of your time in Italy
26/03/2024RépondreTraduire
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Jour 24
samedi 23 mars 2024 à 14:28
☁️ 20 °C
Altitude: 141 m
Croatie Petar Preradović square 45.813463, 15.97328545°48’48” N 15°58’24” E
Arezzo
23 mars 2024, Croatie ⋅ ☁️ 20 °C
A leisurely day exploring this delightful mix of ancient and modern town. Replete from the now habitual croissant crema + coffee, we started with the market. It was massive - filling a tree lined avenue which stretched at least 1km. The food section of any market always interests and this one was quite amazing for cheeses, hams, sausages (wild boar) and fish. Big sides of roast pork were sliced on demand to create take away buns complete with a slice of roasted pig liver.
It was time to check the rail station as we had heard yesterday that a strike was imminent. We have to be at Rome airport by Sunday night for our 0630 flight to Zagreb.
It was all looking dodgy. We took the decision to leave today at 6pm (strike starting at 9pm).
We took a quick walk up the town to check the view from the park and snap a few more of the beautiful Umbrella pines which are everywhere. The bark is amazing.
Our host was kind enough to refund one day.
We found a hotel just 500m from Rome Termini station for the night and enjoyed a slice of pizza with gin + tonic in our room at 10pm. Living the high life!En savoir plus
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VoyageurWhat an incredible market. And sounds like you made the right decision to miss the strike
26/03/2024RépondreTraduire
VoyageurToo true!
27/03/2024Répondre
VoyageurIm always thrilled at long outdoor markets!! A km!! 🤔Decisions, decisions!
27/03/2024RépondreTraduire
VoyageurSo many bargains Sandi but I resisted!
28/03/2024RépondreTraduire
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Jour 26
lundi 25 mars 2024
☀️ 16 °C
Altitude: 120 m
Croatie Čabdin 45.653265, 15.69248445°39’12” N 15°41’33” E
Hello Croatia
25 mars 2024, Croatie ⋅ ☀️ 16 °C
Arrivederci Roma, donbar dan Zagreb!
A very early start (0430 taxi) for our flight to Zagreb. Less than 2 hrs travelling and we were in Zagreb centre enjoying coffee and a fabulous spinach quiche for breakfast. Their pastry shops are amazing and leisurely coffee breaks are definitely part of the culture!
Dropped our bags late morning and set off to explore. Tourist info centre very helpful and we have a walking tour booked tomorrow.
Zagreb centre is split into two levels - two towns which joined many years ago. Higher level reached by steps or the shortest funicular in the world - the ride takes just 64 seconds!
A lot of buildings wrapped in scaffolding including the cathedral, and not accessible. We learnt that a lot of this work is due to the earthquake in 2020. Beautiful buildings, parks and of course markets. Interesting that magnolias are just blooming and yet blueberries, strawberries, asparagus all available and delicious!En savoir plus
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VoyageurGonna have to change travel agent if it was that early :)
28/03/2024RépondreTraduire
VoyageurShe did it again 2 days later - the 0707 train. She's fired!
29/03/2024RépondreTraduire
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