Organised Tour with TripADeal: first time experiencing third party travel ๐Ÿงญ
Canโ€™t wait to explore another part of Italy ๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡น along with a Mediterranean MSC Cruise ๐Ÿšข to Croatia ๐Ÿ‡ญ๐Ÿ‡ท Montenegro ๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ช & Greece ๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ท
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  • Day 6

    Aesthetically Adorable Alberobello ๐Ÿ›–

    September 13, 2023 in Italy โ‹… โ›… 24 ยฐC

    Alberobello is like nowhere else on earth ๐ŸŒ The trulli, limestone dwellings, are remarkable examples of drywall (mortarless) construction, a prehistoric building technique still in use in this region. The trulli are made of roughly worked limestone boulders collected from neighbouring fields.

    It was such an amazing experience to be part of the nighttime atmosphere in town. This is the holiday experience I most adore! ๐Ÿฅฐ This is the time that these towns come alive and really live and breathe. The culture and true inner beauty comes out and you feel a part of it! TripADeal needs to reassess their planning and make a few more nighttime visits possible, so that participants can feel the true beating heart of the Italian ๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡นโค๏ธlife.

    What an amazing unique and honestly beautiful little town this was. Once in a lifetime experience โ˜€๏ธ๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿป๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡น๐ŸŒƒ๐Ÿ’š๐Ÿคโค๏ธ

    We had delicious Orecchiette (little ears) pasta ๐Ÿ with grandmothers meatballs. Just divine! Adding to the fun was glasses of local wine ๐Ÿท served in paper cups… filled to the brim for €2! ๐Ÿ˜‹
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  • Day 7

    Outstanding Ostuni

    September 14, 2023 in Italy โ‹… โ˜๏ธ 28 ยฐC

    First up: fantastic break to our go go go schedule! This morning we went to a small locals’ only town: Torre Canne. We could simply relax and live the slow paced Italian lifestyle. Meandering around town, sipping espresso โ˜•๏ธ in a tiny cafe, relaxing on La Zanza beach ๐Ÿ–๏ธ and drinking Aperol Spritz ๐Ÿน under seaside umbrellas, surrounded by locals going swimming in whatever they feel comfortable in… You can simply take off your clothes & swim in your jocks: nobody cares, judges or objects. This is fantastic way to take a break!
    ๐Ÿ’š๐Ÿคโค๏ธ

    A charming town of around 32,000 residents, Ostuni is most famous for its white painted old town which forms a maze of cobbled streets and narrow staircases. Reminded me of a Greek island. Very similar architecture and white washed buildings.

    First founded by an indigenous tribe some 600 years before Christ. All of these towns are so different because barbarians/people from so many other countries travelled by boat to the south of Italy because it was very easy to get here. They brought their own style to Italy, and created many different looking towns in this area.

    The inhabitants of Ostuni decided to paint the houses white so that the sunlight, reflected on the walls, would blind enemies intent on attacking the city.

    Ostuni is commonly referred to as "the White Town" (La Città Bianca in Italian) for its white walls and its typically white-painted architecture.

    Devoured a delicious Panini with turnips and ham for lunch… It was extremely delicious ๐Ÿ˜‹

    On the way to our hotel, we stopped in at a Olive Grove to try typical Olive ๐Ÿซ’ oil which is native to Puglia region. Two of the trees ๐ŸŒณ were over 1000 years old!
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  • Day 8

    Sculptured Salento

    September 15, 2023 in Italy โ‹… โ˜€๏ธ 28 ยฐC

    With great anticipation and excitement I headed out to the front of our hotel ๐Ÿจ this morning and jumped off the small rickety jetty into the Adriatic Sea! Now, this is the Italy ๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡น I’m talking about! Surrounded by just the locals in their jocks and undies ๐Ÿฉฒ simply relaxing and enjoying the sun โ˜€๏ธ …there were many rocks ๐Ÿชจ so my new water socks came in incredibly handy!

    Poetry Cave was an absolute vision of shimmering, shining aquatic beauty but, unfortunately, for us, it may as well have been a mirage. We were forbidden ๐Ÿšซ to swim ๐ŸŠ‍โ™‚๏ธ and dive! ๐Ÿ˜ข
    As you can see from the photos the American ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ tour group made their own rules ๐Ÿ˜ค Good for them I suppose…I was envious ๐Ÿ˜ซ

    All was not lost because we then arrived at another fantastic area where we could jump off the rocks and truly experience the relaxation and exhilaration of a couple of hours in crystal blue clear water! Loved it so much: wished we could’ve stayed the entire day. We fit in a delicious lunch (…after trying to get some service…!) of pizza ๐Ÿ• (…again!) and bought some freshly made cheese ๐Ÿง€ from a man who makes it on his farm. He was selling it at the beach ๐Ÿ–๏ธ The perfect day would’ve been not to have to rush lunch but, instead, a leisurely one, a few more Peroni’s ๐Ÿบ and then back into the beautiful Adriatic Sea ๐ŸŒŠ in the beach that I longed for through the opening of the trattoria blinds! Robyn, you’ll understand the magic and rejuvenation that comes for such a day on the Puglia coast ๐Ÿ’š๐Ÿคโค๏ธ

    Otranto was the second to last stop. It has a beautiful castle and you can basically swim in the moat so I had a quick look around the town and a delicious gelato ๐Ÿง (…extremely delicious ๐Ÿคค) before heading back into the water to relax, realign & be in the moment again! โ˜€๏ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡น๐ŸŒŠ๐ŸŠ‍โ™‚๏ธ

    This has been a wonderful day exploring beaches ๐Ÿ–๏ธ and, my personal favourites: rock ๐Ÿชจ pools…Reminded me that organising your own itinerary where your timeline is your own: to go or stay or, most importantly, linger longer if you want!

    My skin is covered in salt ๐Ÿง‚ which tells me it has been a great day ๐Ÿ˜Š
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  • Day 8

    Labyrinthian Lecce ๐Ÿซถ๐Ÿป

    September 15, 2023 in Italy โ‹… ๐ŸŒ™ 25 ยฐC

    We took a wee sneaky look ๐Ÿ‘€ last night…which was refreshing: not having to go back to our ‘middle o nowhere’ hotel! Enjoying the nightlife and nighttime atmosphere. Magic ๐Ÿช„
    Devoured a meat & cheese ๐Ÿง€ platter with crusty bread ๐Ÿฅ– and…you guessed it: Aperol Spritz! ๐Ÿน

    Known as the Florence of the south, the historic city within the now mostly fallen old walls is a Baroque masterpiece, a living museum built with a material so unique to the area it has gained the name 'Lecce Stone’
    The stone changes colour according to weather conditions.

    Lecce is home to no less than 100 Baroque-style churches and three ancient city gates. It’s the largest city we have visited (after Rome). It would be wonderful to stay there a couple more days and overnight ๐ŸŒƒ

    On many of the balconies in Lecce geraniums are to be seen. In the early settlement wives put geraniums out on the balcony to let the lover know the husband had left the home… Now days, there are many other ways to do this LOL ๐Ÿ˜

    We didn’t spend near long enough in Lecce… It is a beautiful big baroque city with many authentic shops, rather than tacky souvenirs shops. And, I finally made a purchase, beautifully, handcrafted, leather wallet… Very pleased with the colours representing the Salento coast ๐Ÿ–๏ธ ๐ŸŒŠ โ˜€๏ธ

    We also sat in the town Square and tasted a coffee is that is unique to this city; it tastes of Amaretto, it has ice ๐ŸงŠ and was quite sweet, but delicious ๐Ÿ˜‹
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  • Day 9

    Magical Monopoli

    September 16, 2023 in Italy โ‹… โ˜๏ธ 25 ยฐC

    Monopoli is known for its beautiful coastline, quaint atmosphere and delicious seafood. It's also close to some of the most stunning beaches in Italy, with crystal-clear water that's perfect for swimming ๐ŸŠ‍โ™‚๏ธ ๐ŸŒŠโ˜€๏ธ

    The name of the city derives from the greek "monos polis" which means unique and singular. Definition that is quite valid even nowadays as Monopoli is truly unique and fascinating.

    The town is less touristy than nearby Polignano or Alberobello.

    100% now one of my absolute favourites! There was just something about the aesthetic, the feel and the general chilled environment that was so relaxing and peaceful! The weatherworn buildings were absolutely beautiful against the Adriatic blue of the sea ๐ŸŒŠ

    We only had 2 hours here! Could easily spend a week. Seafood ๐Ÿฆž is the obvious speciality and we were treated to a seafood lunch of delicious thick juicy prawns and a bottle of local white wine from the Puglia region.

    …just loved ๐Ÿฅฐ it here! ๐Ÿ’š๐Ÿคโค๏ธ
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  • Day 9

    Proud Polignano a Mare: Nonnaโ€™s Lasagne

    September 16, 2023 in Italy โ‹… โ˜๏ธ 24 ยฐC

    We thought it had got as good as it gets today but then we were told by Mauritzio, our tour leader, that we were going to go to a ‘special surprise’ destination. Excitedly I had guessed it might be Polignano a Mare, which I have wanted to go to for a very long time.

    Located on Italy's southern Adriatic coastline, the town of Polignano a Mare is an ancient seaside town dramatically sitting above rocky cliffs and sea caves and offering sweeping views of the turquoise sea ๐ŸŒŠ

    Excitedly, I was rounding every corner in the hope to see this magical beach that I had only seen in travel guides, YouTube, and books… Then, all of a sudden there it was… If we had more time I would have jumped straight into the water, but, alas… Not to be… Instead, we found a fantastic trattoria and had the best lasagne I have ever tasted…Nonna made it lovingly herself: One man in our tour group who could speak Italian asked Nonna, on my behalf, if it would be okay to take a photo and she was extremely obliging, adding that it was kind of me to ask before taking it, because most people just took it without asking… ๐Ÿ‘ต๐Ÿป
    PS: Her lasagne was the best I had ever eaten!

    As I turned a corner on the walk back to the bus, I accidentally slapped my face lightly against a tree ๐ŸŒฟ branch, which was growing along the coast, and all I could taste ๐Ÿ‘… was salt in my mouth… This was proof that I had just had another wonderful day by the sea ๐ŸŒŠ โ˜€๏ธ
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  • Day 10

    Ship ๐Ÿšข Ahoy!

    September 17, 2023 in Italy โ‹… โ˜€๏ธ 25 ยฐC

    We were efficiently on board by 10 am! And having a bloody Mary by 1030! It is so interesting to witness human form on a cruise ship… I had forgotten how gregarious & loud & ravenous everyone gets! People are filling their plates to the top with burgers and fries and pasta and fruit… Everyone is already drinking their fill from the bar… Cocktails at 11 am… Bring it on! ๐Ÿน ๐Ÿธ

    Unexpectedly, we stumbled onto the Broadway Theatre ๐ŸŽญ where the Muster & Safety demonstration was happening… We forgot all about it! But, let’s face it. If the ship goes down, we go down with the captain… Or, on the captain LOL. ๐Ÿคฉ๐Ÿคฃ๐Ÿ˜

    German and I were wandering around to the ship trying to acclimatise and familiarise ourselves with the layout… The first thing related to this: which was the front of the ship, and which was the back of the ship! I felt more dizzy than ever due to the fact I have not cruised for so long (…well, not on a ship ๐Ÿ›ณ๏ธ anyway).

    We were also pleasantly surprised at the clientele on board. It is so different to a South Pacific P&O cruise… Yes, there are still the oldies and the goodies, but there are plenty of hotties ๐Ÿ”ฅ as well! โœŠ๐Ÿป๐Ÿ˜๐Ÿน

    We found out that the Internet packages now cost $160 for the entire cruise, so I am going to try and leave without the Internet for a while. I think German almost had a coronary when he realised there was no Internet connection on board. If we had bought the package earlier, it would’ve been cheaper, but, hopefully all will be well and we will find a myriad of other activities to occupy our minds… Obviously the drink ๐Ÿบ package will help in this. Part of me is hoping that cutting off a bit from the constant Internet chatter might be a good thing… ๐Ÿšข ๐Ÿ“ฑ

    We got separate inside cabins, which are not too shabby. No view to the outside world, but they have decorated them with mirrors ๐Ÿชž in a way that will alleviate that. Having no light ๐Ÿ’ก in the morning could be a great thing as well.

    By 5 pm I had already made great ๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿป use of my drink package allowance… So, that was money well spent… Apart from constantly drinking waters, I had a piña colada, a cosmopolitan, a Moscow mule and a martini ๐Ÿธ

    Headed to the pools on deck 11 and then into the whirlpool spas with close contact of certain humans who you would never generally share a metre square space with… Oh well, When in Rome… ๐Ÿ˜Ž๐Ÿ˜œ๐Ÿ˜

    The dinner in the Restaurant was much more controlled and enjoyable. than any buffet will ever be. It was great that all the TripADeal people were sat in the same area and were able to bond on a different level.

    We went to the show in the Broadway Theatre ๐ŸŽญ which was called Access all areas: Rock & Roll ๐ŸŽธ
    After the magnificent Italian cultural experience of the past week it was something completely different… Not bad, not good, just different… ๐Ÿ˜๐Ÿ™ƒ

    Day, one of the Cruise done and dusted, and we didn’t even stay up late enough to go to the disco ๐Ÿ•บ๐Ÿผ because we were pretty much stuffed after the last week of running around… Don’t get me wrong, it has been fantastic, but tiring… Time to recharge ready for the final Italian destination tomorrow and meeting up with Marta in her home town of Venice ๐Ÿ’š๐Ÿคโค๏ธ
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  • Day 11

    Vivacious Venice: I ๐Ÿ’š๐Ÿคโค๏ธyou!

    September 18, 2023 in Italy โ‹… โ˜๏ธ 25 ยฐC

    Anxiety a plenty this morning when we discovered there was a transportation strike on in Venice! That pre-purchased Vaporetta (water taxi ) pass will now be a waste of money! Oh, well, the best laid plans can often go awry when travelling! ๐Ÿงณ …panic attack sadly ensued as I tried to get assistance with the problem ๐Ÿ˜ข

    I must admit that the MSC staff were not very helpful with information on how to make our own way to Venice from the huge ship port at Marghera. This was disappointing and made me feel a little bit sad. Deep breaths and I got over it…. Just!

    Arrival: I am currently wandering the alleyways, bridges and canals in central Venice . I cannot believe how beautiful ๐Ÿ˜ this city is! There is something beautiful and majestic around every single corner! I am in heaven ๐Ÿ˜‡

    … six hours later, and I am absolutely in love! ๐Ÿ’š๐Ÿคโค๏ธ This city is like no other I have ever been to… I absolutely, totally and unconditionally, love Venice!
    I will be back! Just so magnificent, magical & splendid! Having my own personal tourist guide with Marta made it even better… She took me to the most amazing places… To her own personal favourite trattoria: Osteria Al Squero (their logo is a gondola) and it is across the way from the second last Gondolier manufacturing yard in Venice. She also took me to the best gelato ๐Ÿจ establishment in the city… Gelato Nico. I feel so privileged and lucky to have met up with her yet again! She topped off the most perfect day by gifting me a beautiful knitted King Charles and Queen Camilla set! So beautiful… Thank you Marta! ๐Ÿซถ๐Ÿป๐Ÿ‘‘

    Every corner that you turn in Venice greets you with yet another amazing and unique, beautiful and spectacular sight. I am literally lost for words which most people know is very unusual for me! ๐Ÿ˜ณ๐Ÿค๐Ÿ˜

    I can only imagine how breathtaking Venice would be in the evening and at night… I will definitely be coming back and spending at least a week in this magical city ๐ŸŒƒ …if I never make it back for whatever reason, I can honestly say this six hours in Venice has change my life forever… ๐Ÿฅฐ

    I took so many photos of the brilliance that overtook my senses! There were gondoliers singing as they pushed through the canals and pianists playing in St Marks Square. Just magical ๐Ÿ™ this is going to require two posts… So I will make the second one soon and dedicated to the brilliance and loveliness of Marta!

    Marta took me to have favourite area in Venice, less touristy: Dorsoduro; meaning hard back due to the earth it is built on, It did not disappoint. We ate delicious ๐Ÿคค Cicchitti with refreshing Aperol Spritz (yes! Again!). Robyn, when I visit, we shall buy a breadstick and create our own toppings for some of our own Cicchitti! ๐Ÿฅ– I know I’m going on & on but I can’t help it! This city is splendiferous! Marta took me to a quaint workshop she knows where I was able to speak with the owner & glassblower and buy a precious glass wine ๐Ÿท tumbler made by him. Every time I drink from it I am going to have true love โค๏ธ in my heart for the most picturesque and mesmerising city in the world ๐ŸŒ ๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡น
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  • Day 11

    To Marta, with love ๐Ÿ’š๐Ÿคโค๏ธ

    September 18, 2023 in Italy โ‹… โ˜๏ธ 26 ยฐC

    Twenty Six years ago we worked together at the Empire Cinema, in Leicester Square, London… Oh! the joyful memories we have and constantly recollect upon… The concessions stand; selling popcorn ๐Ÿฟ and hotdogs ๐ŸŒญ ushering in celebrities and sitting through screenings of Jerry Maguire, the Fifth Element and Fierce Creatures more times than we can wish to remember… I love that we always reminisce and wish we could go back in time, even just for a day… With hindsight, and with the wisdom of getting older… Every time we return to London we both stand at the gates of with tears in our eyes; with sheer joy of being back in the city, we loved then, but even more now…

    We were blessed to celebrate our beautiful Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee Celebrations ๐Ÿ‘‘๐Ÿ‘œ ๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ง together last year, just before she sadly passed away…

    Today, you showed me the true heart of Venice… The most beautiful city I can remember experiencing in such a long time… Thank you for taking me to your favourite trattoria and encouraging me to have the special deliciousness at Gelato ๐Ÿง Nico… It was a memory I will treasure forever…

    I had forgotten how much passion and joy, feeling and emotion you bring to any situation… It reminded me of the most amazing experience that we had working together in 1997, and last year celebrating the Jubilee… memories and experiences are worth so much more than anything material… Just priceless!

    I treasure the knitted Queen and now I will also treasure… King Charles and Queen Camilla. But, as discussed, they will be placed at a suitable distance to Her Majesty ๐Ÿ‘‘๐Ÿ˜ฑ๐Ÿ˜

    You may not even comprehend how important today’s meeting was for me… My day started off very badly, and you created a very special experience that will live with me until the day I die.…

    As I am writing this my heart is full…your friendship means the world and thanks from the deepest depths of my heart for introducing me to Venice: City of Beauty, Strength and Longevity
    ๐Ÿ’š๐Ÿคโค๏ธ
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  • Day 11

    MSC Sea Dayz N Nightz ๐Ÿšข ๐ŸŒŠโ˜€๏ธ๐Ÿธ

    September 18, 2023 in Italy โ‹… โ›… 24 ยฐC

    Thankfully, there is only one full day at sea… I only have the benchmark
    of P and O cruise line to compare this cruise ๐Ÿšข to and I must say that MSC run a hot second place. Absolutely love unpacking once and just chilling. That is always gonna be attractive! ๐ŸŽฏ

    Firstly, I am really enjoying a soul occupancy inside cabin… It is very roomy and tastefully decorated with nice artwork and with the addition of mirrors to add a feeling of more space. The best part is that you can have complete black out darkness morning, noon and night if you want rest. Highly recommended cabin choice. Don’t see the point of a balcony cabin when you go to the bars to drink and socialise anyway. ๐Ÿคท๐Ÿป‍โ™‚๏ธ

    Unless you book an excursion through MSC you are not given any instructions or information as to how you should make your way from the docking port to the city or town that you are visiting. Charging $30 for a transfer on a ship shuttle bus does not seem fair to me but the choice is limited. I figure if the ship docks half hour drive from the town then the shuttle in could be complementary rather than another add-on. It’s all a matter of opinion I suppose. When in Rome…

    The Restaurant service is impeccable and the food ๐Ÿฅ˜ is delicious. Wayu & Yousef we’re beautiful ๐Ÿ˜ hosts; both from Indonesia ๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ Nothing was too much trouble! The Restaurant is much more relaxing and enjoyable than participating in any of the on deck buffet selections… They are just a feeding frenzy at all times ๐Ÿท but many love them so that’s fantastic and helps distribute passengers ๐Ÿ˜Ž
    You could have three courses for lunch and three courses for dinner if you want. The breakfast menu is also extensive ๐Ÿฅ๐Ÿง€๐Ÿณ๐Ÿฅ—๐Ÿค๐Ÿท๐Ÿฝ๏ธ

    Is quite difficult to get a drink at any of the bars because they are understaffed; there is always one staff member stacking plates or stocking the fridge, even if there is a queue of people two deep at the bar. We caught the easy drink package prior to boarding, so it ended up great value. Trust me, we get our money’s worth! ๐Ÿน๐Ÿธ๐Ÿฅƒ๐Ÿพ๐Ÿท๐Ÿฅ‚๐Ÿป๐Ÿบโ˜•๏ธ๐Ÿซ–๐Ÿฅค
    …it took a few days to learn but the best way to get a drink is to get the attention of the ONE waitress and order with her…

    The most pleasant staff member we have interacted with works in the jewellery boutique store - Pauline from Argentina ๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ท…thankfully my senses kicked in when she skilfully attempted to sell me an anchor โš“๏ธ bracelet for €370!

    A very fun night was had by all at the disco ๐Ÿ’ƒ๐Ÿผ on the top deck. It is interesting to watch the dance staff performing like dance prostitutes all night long: working the crowd into a frenzy… All shapes and sizes, welcomed and encouraged by their tempting moves and seductive eye ๐Ÿ‘๏ธ contact ๐Ÿ™ƒ

    It’s kinda weird not having any access to your phone ๐Ÿ“ฑ internet & social media while you’re on the ship unless you pay ๐Ÿ’ฐ high access fees up front. It’s also more relaxing when you are not distracted by content and notifications ๐Ÿ“ฃ so you engage with what’s going on around you better ๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿป

    Thinking about TripADeal again and I reflect on the wonderful group of people that have become friends on the cruise and it mellows my heart ๐Ÿ’œ and makes me realise that there were more good things than bad that came out of the whole experience: I mean, just look at the happiness expressed in the faces at our dining table… that speaks volumes ๐Ÿซถ๐Ÿป๐Ÿ‘โœŠ๐Ÿป๐Ÿฅฐ
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