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Italy 2017
  • Shirley Sharek

Italy 2017

A 14-day adventure by Shirley Read more
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  • Shirley SharekItaly 2017Shirley Sharek

    Angelo's Boat Tours, Cinque Terre, Italy

    May 18, 2017 in Italy ⋅ 🌙 19 °C

    Monday, June 5, 2017 - 6pm
    Evening Tapas Tour
    While cruising the spectacular coast of the Cinque Terre we’ll enjoy an Italian aperitivo of salumi, cheese, focaccia and prosecco (Italian champagne). You'll get to know the other guests on the boat while learning about the history of the area, told to you by your English speaking guide.

    If the weather is warm enough, we can stop in one of the pristine coves along the way for a swim in the crystal clear waters. Mid-June to mid-September are the best months for this.

    We’ll stop in one of the towns for fresh tapas at one of the area’s best family-run restaurants.

    What makes the perfect evening cruise? An intimate group of like-minded travelers, great music, food and wine–combine these with the magic of the Cinque Terre coastline, and there you have it…an evening to remember!    Read more

  • Shirley SharekItaly 2017Shirley Sharek

    Enoteca & Ristorante Cau Cila, Riomaggio

    May 18, 2017 in Italy ⋅ 🌙 18 °C

    Tuesday, June 6, 2017 - 1:00pm - Lunch
    The Liguria region can boast a well respectable tradition in the wine and food sector, thanks to the wholesome and genuine products of its land such as extra virgin olive oil, wine, fish, mussels, lemons, pesto (basil and garlic sauce), home made pasta and herbs.
    At Riomaggiore, Cinque Terre, Italian delicacies are a must, and the “Dau Cila” Restaurant carries on high level home made cuisine with pride, passion, dedication and professionalism. Dau Cila proposes typical seafood and meat dishes from mediterranean cuisine through excellent ingredients, so that you will discover the unique flavour and good smell of this narrow land, kissed by the sun and caressed by the sea. Recently renovated, the Restaurant / Wine Cellar has a cosy structure with fine details. Table locations are chosen with care, in- and outdoor, just few steps away from the sea, Customers will find here the comfort and the relaxing athmosphere which is typical in a fine restaurant. Service is accurate and the restaurant staff is kind and always available for your requests. The faithful customers of Dau Cila come from Liguria, other Italian regions and especially from abroad, and this is a sign that Liguria’s cuisine and the dishes of the mediterranean cuisine are known and appreciated in the whole world. Moreover, they are recommended by nutritionists and alimentation experts.    Read more

  • Shirley SharekItaly 2017Shirley Sharek

    Manarola, Italy

    May 18, 2017 in Italy ⋅ 🌙 17 °C

    June 2017

    wander alleyways; best for terrace trails

    Vineyard walk - Follow wooden railing - lemon groves, wild red valerian, mostly flat, dry-stone walls and finely crafted vineyards - smell the rosemary

    Punta Bonfiglio - This point offers some of the most commanding views of the entire region. The best vantage point - take stairs just below the cemetery through the green gate, then walk farther out toward the water through the park. Bench at the tip of the point.

    Take the backstreet lanes up to the 13th century Fortress for spectacular views over the village and sea. For great coffee with a view, Bar Conchiglia has an upstairs terrace where you can watch the local battelli (boats) come in to dock and collect passenger moving on between villages.

    Drink at sunset - Nessun Dorma located by waling around the path along the cliff edge then up the set of stairs at the bend of the path.

    Gelato @ 5 Terre Gelataria    Read more

  • Shirley SharekItaly 2017Shirley Sharek

    Riomaggiore, Italy

    May 18, 2017 in Italy ⋅ 🌙 18 °C

    June 2017

    Riomaggiore is the pretty harbor town. Walk around town and marina. Colorful murals
    Best view - Top of the Town - ignore steps marked Marina Seacoast and continue to the church
    Take the backstreet lanes up to the 13th century Fortress for spectacular views over the village and sea. For great coffee with a view, Bar Conchiglia has an upstairs terrace where you can watch the local battelli (boats) come in to dock and collect passenger moving on between villages.
    Food
    Fresh focaccia (Riomaggiore (Pa__ico RO5i pink building)
    II Pescato Cucinato takeaway seafood shop - fried calamari bucket and beer; eat down at the wharf
    in front of the station, to the left, is a restaurant. You have three options: On the left, you can take the stairs leading to the Via dell'Amore. Although this trail is currently closed, you should still take a look. Seize the occasion to have a glass of wine on the terrace of A Pié de Mà. (outdoor bar above the train station great view- across from harbour) Address: Via dell' Amore, 55, 19017 Riomaggiore SP, Italy Phone: +39 0187 921037

    Walks:
    Riomaggiore to Manarola hike is easy, flat, Loverś lane nice stroll before dinner
    Riomaggiore to Portovenere (5 hours) This is probably one of the most beautiful hikes in the area, though not the easiest one. To get back to the Riomaggiore, you can take the boat
    Santuario della Signora di Montenero Sanctuary built in the 14th century, high in the hills above Riomaggiore. From the square in front of the Promontory, you enjoy a magnificent view on the Cinque Terre coast up to Punto Mesco. You can see the 5 villages in one view. To reach the Santuario, take the Sentiero N° 3 from the center of Riomaggiore.    Read more

  • Shirley SharekItaly 2017Shirley Sharek

    Varenna, Italy

    May 18, 2017 in Italy ⋅ ⛅ 19 °C

    Thursday, June 8, 2017 - Lunch

    Varenna’s sunny position facing south offers an amazing panorama over one of the most beautiful sections of Lake Como, with Bellagio in front and Menaggio to the right. It’s one of the best preserved medieval centers of the entire lake area, with its charming, steep cobblestone streets, porticos and historic churches.
    Start your visit to Varenna with a promenade along the waterfront. It is all very picturesque: with its colorful houses set on the side of Lake Como and its little alleyways running up from the shore – a reminder of its fishing-village origins – its attraction for visitors is obvious. There is even a small stony beach and a couple of ice cream shops on the waterfront    Read more

  • Shirley SharekItaly 2017Shirley Sharek

    Bellano, Italy

    May 19, 2017 in Italy ⋅ ⛅ 18 °C

    June 2017

    Sitting on the eastern side of Lake Como’s northern branch, Bellano is less visited than nearby Varenna, but no less charming. Fronted by the typically quaint lakeside homes, tall trees, and a pristine beach, Bellano makes for a pleasantly quiet escape from the crowds. Its most famous attraction is the naturally formed Orrido di Torrente Pioverna, a plunging, 15-million-year-old ravine formed by erosion. You can get a great look at the gorge thanks to viewing bridges that allow you to take great photos of the caves and the sparkling blue water inside the ravine.Read more

  • Shirley SharekItaly 2017Shirley Sharek

    Como, Italy

    May 19, 2017 in Italy ⋅ ⛅ 19 °C

    June 2017

    Overlooked and underrated by travelers arriving on trains from Milan, the town of Como is typically considered nothing more than a gateway to other towns, since this is where you catch ferries to various parts of the lake. Those who do spend time here find it to be worthwhile: there’s a splendid 15th-century cathedral, the Silk Museum, the Romanesque Sant’Abbondio, historic San Fedele, a lovely lakeside promenade, the medieval city center, and more to explore
    My favourite gelato in Como is located just off the main square, right by the waterfront in a small and unassuming little building: Gelateria Lariana. My favourite flavours were Bachi (chocolate hazelnut) and Dark Chocolate (seriously so good that my eyes popped out of my head for the first taste).
    La Vita e’ Bella If you’re looking for a nice little restaurant – not too fancy but great for date night – then I can recommend this great little find on Piazza Domenico Croggi. The menu is typically Italian but with a healthy spin – loads of salads to choose from and great vegetarian options!
    Funicular Railway

    The Funicular Railway has linked Lake Como and Brunate since 1894 and is still the quickest way of travelling between these two towns. A trip on the railway offers stunning views and an opportunity to see panoramic views of rural Como, all whilst having an enjoyable jaunt on a train!

    The Funicular Railway marked the start of an industrial tourism revolution in Como, as it was built at a time when many transport links in the area were expanding to create a network between local towns. In 1911 the traction system changed from steam to electricity and the canon which makes a daily salute at noon possible was installed in 1912. Today the railway is run by ATM and is accords to all environmental and safety regulations despite its age!

    As you glide along the cliff sides on the railway you will be able to see for miles, glancing over the epic azure lake, clusters of traditional Italian houses and sweeping mountainsides. The journey itself lasts just over ten minutes and once you reach Brunate you have the choice of sitting down with a drink from the little bar to take in the glorious views or alternatively you can go for a bit of an explore.    Read more

  • Shirley SharekItaly 2017Shirley Sharek

    Menaggio, Italy

    May 19, 2017 in Italy ⋅ ⛅ 18 °C

    June 2017
    Directly across the lake from Varenna, and equally close to Bellagio, Menaggio makes a fine base from which to explore the northern and southern sections of the lake. Popular with British visitors and home to some residents who commute 8 miles to Lugano, Switzerland, this aesthetically pleasing, extremely laid-back town is similar to Bellagio, though it is somewhat less popular. Once a walled city in medieval times, today it’s a bustling resort filled with hotels, restaurants, live entertainment, arcades, shops, and even a mini-golf course. It’s quite possible to spend an entire day lazing about the lovely lakefront promenade, with its flower beds and palm trees, but it’s worth climbing the steep stairs to explore the older part of town, where you can see remnants of the former wall. If you’d like to escape for a bit, nearby Breglia is a good starting point for hiking trails ranging from easy to difficult.
    Gravedona has one of the best waterfront promenades of any town on Lake Como, with bike paths, sandy beaches, and public tennis courts.

    Argegno is not as glamorous as Varenna and Bellagio, and that is its charm. Impervious to the frenetic activity on other parts of the lake, it has retained its individual character, and remained a simple, unspoilt village where locals far outnumber visitors. It offers travelers a glimpse of authentic village life. Argegno is well known for its cable car that takes you up to the town of Pigra which is at an 800m altitude. From the top the panoramic views are incredible.    Read more

  • Shirley SharekItaly 2017Shirley Sharek

    Lenno, Italy

    May 19, 2017 in Italy ⋅ ⛅ 15 °C

    June 2017

    Southwest of Tremezzo lies Lenno, close to the spectacular Villa Balbianello, which is one of Italy’s most picture-perfect estates. Composed of loggias, terraces, and pallazzini, the villa, featured in several films, sits on its own little promontory and now functions as a museum. Lenno is also famous for its handmade olive oil, considered the best made on the lake, so be sure to try it and buy a bottle.Read more

  • Shirley SharekItaly 2017Shirley Sharek

    Arrived Atlanta on time 3:00

    May 27, 2017 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 28 °C

    Good flight but we are worried bag check ststus shows only one of are two bags that we were forced to check have gotten onto the airplane to Rome other one still MIA. Waiting on our traveling partners to arrive Atlanta.Read more

  • Shirley SharekItaly 2017Shirley Sharek

    Arrived Rome

    May 28, 2017 in Italy ⋅ ☀️ 25 °C

    Arrived safely....VERY LONG FLIGHT. Bags made it we are off to find our driver and based on the number of people and all those drivers holding signs it may take us 2 hours to find the driver.

    One half hour later ........found our driver heading to our hotel in Rome.Read more

  • Shirley SharekItaly 2017Shirley Sharek

    The Colosseum, Rome, Italy

    May 28, 2017 in Italy ⋅ ☀️ 28 °C

    Sunday, May 28 - 3:30 pm

    Begin peeling back Rome's past at the Colosseum, the city's most popular relic (legend has it that as long as the Colosseum stands, so shall the city of Rome). From the start, the Romans were expert builders. They pioneered the use of concrete and the rounded arch, which enabled them to build on this tremendous scale. This awesome example of ancient Roman engineering was begun in A.D. 72, when the Empire was nearing its peak.
    Imagine being an ancient spectator arriving for the games. Fans poured in through ground-floor entrances. Your ticket (likely a piece of pottery) was marked with your entrance, section, row, and seat number. Stepping inside, you can almost hear the roar of the Empire. Ancient Romans, whose taste for violence exceeded even modern America's, came to the Colosseum to unwind. The games began with a few warm-up acts — dogs attacking porcupines, female gladiators fighting each other, or a one-legged man battling a dwarf. Then came the main event: the gladiators. The best were rewarded like our modern sports stars, with fan clubs, great wealth, and, yes, product endorsements.

    What do we do next    Read more

  • Shirley SharekItaly 2017Shirley Sharek

    The Roman Forum, Rome, Italy

    May 28, 2017 in Italy ⋅ ☀️ 28 °C

    Sunday, May 28, 2017

    The Forum is right next door to the Colosseum (and covered by the same ticket). These few acres of land — arguably the most important piece of real estate in Western civilization — were the ancient center for politics, religion, and commerce. This is where the Vestal Virgins tended the perpetual fire, where Julius Caesar was cremated, and where Emperor Caligula had his palace.
    Today the site is littered with small fragments of the huge buildings that once stood here. The main street — the Via Sacra — still cuts authoritatively through the heart of the Forum, just as it did 2,000 years ago. But you'll mostly see crumbling columns and half-buried foundations. Still, walking along the rubble paths, I can't help but think I'm kicking some of the same pebbles that stuck in Julius Caesar's sandals.
    What happened to the long-gone buildings? Earthquakes destroyed some of them, but more than anything, they were scavenged by Roman citizens. They carted off the precut stones and reused them in palaces and churches (some bits of the Colosseum ended up in St. Peter's Basilica across town).    Read more

  • Shirley SharekItaly 2017Shirley Sharek

    The Pantheon, Rome Italy

    May 28, 2017 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 28 °C

    Sunday, May 28, 2017
    The magnificent Pantheon (A.D. 120) is the best-preserved temple from ancient Rome.
    This stately building, about a 20-minute walk from the Forum, is the ideal remedy for a brain tired from mentally reconstructing the Colosseum or Forum.
    The Pantheon survived so well because it's been in continuous use for more than 2,000 years. It went almost directly from being a pagan temple to being a Christian church.
    Even if built to exalt the gods, the Pantheon is just as much a symbol of Roman human greatness. The massive, 40-foot granite columns that support its portico are so huge, it takes four tourists to hug one. Entering here (it's free), you feel the power and ambition that fueled the Empire.
    Inside, you stand in a cavernous rotunda, a testament to Roman engineering. The subtle interior illumination is defined by the oculus, the opening at the top of the dome and the only source of light. (Once a year, on Pentecost Sunday, tens of thousands of rose petals flutter through this opening in the traditional "rain of red roses.")
    The dome's dimensions are classic — based on a perfect circle, as wide as it is tall (140 feet) — and its construction is ingenious. It's made of poured concrete, which gets thinner and lighter with height — the highest part is made with pumice, an airy volcanic stone.
    This was the largest dome anywhere until the Renaissance. Only then did Brunelleschi jump-start that new artistic era by borrowing some of Pantheon's features for his cathedral dome in Florence.
    The wonder of ancient Rome is not how much of it has disappeared, but how much still exists. For nearly 2,000 years, the Colosseum, Forum, and Pantheon have been the iconic symbols of the Eternal City. After doing the Caesar Shuffle, you'll give an unreserved thumbs-up to Rome's enduring grandeur.    Read more

  • Shirley SharekItaly 2017Shirley Sharek

    Trastevere, Italy

    May 29, 2017 in Italy ⋅ ☀️ 27 °C

    Monday, May 29, 2017 - 3:30pm - Trastevere Twilight Foodie Tour

    Met Francesco for a 4 hour guided tour on Isola Tiberina. What a great guide. His wife Rachel is from Ashville NC. We enjoyed the tour with a couple from Indiana with their 2 daughters. We had an aperitif at Da Enzo AL 29, Prosecco with fresh cantaloupe and prosciutto with fresh mozzarella . We also sampled pizza, fried rice balls (suppli), "sample" of pasta (cacao e pepe) as they called it but it to us was a full meal., gelato, peccorino cheese, salami and the most awesome assortment of cookies you can imagime. And of course we drank plenty of different wines .... we lost count.
    All of the stops on the tour (8) were family owned and had been in a family for generations. The highlight of the tour was enjoying wine and a pork stew in a cellar of a church that was built 80 years BC. Yes BC the oldest building we have ever been in. An interesting fact of the cellar was that in the 1800's when excavating after so many years of being underground, a famous statue was discovered that had been stolen and hidden from the Romans.

    Trastevere is a neighborhood like no other. Its ivy-coated, cobblestone streets come alive at night earning it comparisons to Greenwich Village and Paris’s Left Bank. It’s where Romans choose to eat with their families on a Sunday and where young Romans go for buzzing nightlife at evenings and weekends. You can’t leave Rome without walking through these streets, tasting the best food on offer, and taking a million pictures of this amazing hotspot.    Read more

  • Shirley SharekItaly 2017Shirley Sharek

    Saturnia, Italy

    May 30, 2017 in Italy ⋅ ⛅ 21 °C

    Tuesday, May 30, 2017 - Saturnia Thermal Springs - 9:30 am
    The waters that feed the spa and baths originate from springs two hundred metres below the earth and are heated by the thermal activity of Maremma's volcanoe Monte Amiata - the second largest volcano in Italy. They flow at a rate of eight hundred litres per second filling the individual baths and pools of the "Le Cascate del Mulino" (The Mill Falls) and then the "Le Cascate del Gorillo" waterfalls with waters at a constant 37.5 °C.

    Spa holiday in ItalyThe perfect location for a family spa holiday in Italy
    Containing the minerals sulphur, carbon, sulphate and the gases of hydrogen sulphide and carbon dioxide, they are considered to have therapeutic properties for skin, respiratory tract, blood circulation and rheumatic ailments, as well as cosmetic and wellbeing effects on the mind and body. No run of the mill place for a dip then!

    Thermal baths of Saturnia Maremma Tuscany Italy

    My first visit was on a Friday night, when this photograph was taken. I'd spent a fantastic day at Pitigliano and the Vie Cave and on my way home decided to visit the springs - I highly recommend this as a great itinerary for a Maremma day out. It was a glorious May evening (Spring is one of the very best times to visit Maremma and Tuscany) and when I first put my feet into the swishing blue white waters the sensation was wonderful and brought an instant huge smile to my face that stayed for days. I even skipped back to my car (I'm well over 40 years of age)!.... the magic of Maremma.

    Spa Saturnia thermal springs, Maremma Tuscany Italy

    You can sit in the midst of the gushing waterfalls themselves, in the baths and pools that they fill, or the streams that their waters in turn fall into. There are even some baths that are lovely and shallow: perfect for toddlers. The gods may have been fighting when they made this place, but the result is a relaxing paradise for everyone.

    On a practical note: best to remove any silver jewellery or it will blacken and keep you camera in its case when not in use.    Read more

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