Ireland and Italy

A 21-day adventure by Linda and Bill's travels Read more

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Trip start
September 8, 2017
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Day 1
Friday, September 8, 2017 at 9:04 AM
☀️ 19 °C
Altitude: 66 ft
United States Sacramento International Airport 38.69319, -121.5876938°41’35” N 121°35’16” W
Here we go (at SMF)!
September 8, 2017 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 19 °C
TravelerCan't wait!!!!😁
9/8/17Reply
TravelerI know I'm too late, but BON VOYAGE. Thank you for including me in the link. I LOVE living through other peoples' travels. Take good care. Xox
9/8/17Reply
TravelerHave fun Kiddos. Linda even your suitcase is navy!
9/8/17Reply
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Day 1
Friday, September 8, 2017 at 5:58 PM
⛅ 13 °C
Altitude: 141 ft
Northern Ireland Trooperslane Railway Station 54.71078, -5.852654°42’39” N 5°51’9” W
Chicago to Dublin
September 8, 2017 in Northern Ireland ⋅ ⛅ 13 °C
Ready to board at O'Hare on Friday.
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Day 2
Saturday, September 9, 2017 at 9:45 AM
⛅ 13 °C
Altitude: 141 ft
Northern Ireland Trooperslane Railway Station 54.71074, -5.8525554°42’39” N 5°51’9” W
Dublin airport
September 9, 2017 in Northern Ireland ⋅ ⛅ 13 °C
Trying to figure out how to drive the vw diesel we rented. It has stop/start technology. And the steering wheel is on the wrong side! So far, Linda's cowering under the passenger seat is dissipating.
TravelerWe had a stop start car the last time I was in England. It took just a little getting used to for timing when stopping and going in traffic lights but I didn't notice it after a while. Good luck
9/10/17Reply
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Day 2
Saturday, September 9, 2017 at 3:00 PM
⛅ 16 °C
Altitude: 141 ft
Northern Ireland Trooperslane Railway Station 54.71075, -5.8525654°42’39” N 5°51’9” W
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The Irish Sea off Whitehead
September 9, 2017 in Northern Ireland ⋅ ⛅ 16 °C
Beautiful day north of Belfast.
Traveler Beautiful!
9/10/17Reply
Traveler Best views ever!
9/10/17Reply
TravelerBeautiful
9/12/17Reply
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Day 2
Saturday, September 9, 2017 at 5:29 PM
⛅ 16 °C
Altitude: 59 ft
Northern Ireland Whitehead Railway Station 54.7551, -5.7112354°45’18” N 5°42’40” W
Blackhead Lighthouse in Northern Ireland
September 9, 2017 in Northern Ireland ⋅ ⛅ 16 °C
First day, out for a hike with Kelley and Paul.
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Day 2
Saturday, September 9, 2017 at 5:30 PM
⛅ 15 °C
Altitude: 167 ft
Northern Ireland Trooperslane Railway Station 54.71072, -5.8526854°42’39” N 5°51’10” W
Paul and Kelley and visitors
September 9, 2017 in Northern Ireland ⋅ ⛅ 15 °C
Hiking at the Irish Sea near their home in Whitehead.
TravelerLooks beautiful.
9/10/17Reply
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Day 3
Sunday, September 10, 2017 at 1:05 PM
⛅ 15 °C
Altitude: 167 ft
Northern Ireland Trooperslane Railway Station 54.71085, -5.8526454°42’39” N 5°51’10” W
Carrickfergus Castle
September 10, 2017 in Northern Ireland ⋅ ⛅ 15 °C
Kelley was a tour guide at this historic (built in the 12th century) castle/fort at one time Lots of history into the 20th century. We had a personal tour. Original cannon on display. There's even a caricature of King John on the"throne"! He was not well loved.Read more
TravelerHad fun being a tour guide again 🤓
9/12/17Reply
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Day 3
Sunday, September 10, 2017 at 4:26 PM
⛅ 12 °C
Altitude: 141 ft
Northern Ireland Trooperslane Railway Station 54.71074, -5.8525754°42’39” N 5°51’9” W
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Carrickfergus B&B
September 10, 2017 in Northern Ireland ⋅ ⛅ 12 °C
Beautiful rainbow and some random shots in Carrickfergus. Blustery day!
Traveler Beautiful view
9/10/17Reply
Barbara PyeOh come on! That's photoshopped, right? Really??!? The entire rainbow?
9/11/17Reply
Linda BeirneYou got it, the entire rainbow outside of our B&B. It's been one of many.
9/11/17Reply
TravelerNo rain...no rainbow! 🌈
9/12/17Reply
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Day 4
Monday, September 11, 2017 at 9:57 PM
⛅ 11 °C
Altitude: 167 ft
Northern Ireland Trooperslane Railway Station 54.71082, -5.8526454°42’39” N 5°51’10” W
Giant's Causeway
September 11, 2017 in Northern Ireland ⋅ ⛅ 11 °C
We took a drive along the northern Irish coast.with Kelley and Paul. Despite some nasty spots of icy weather, we had a great time exploring.
The Giant's Causeway is a naturally occuring area of approximately 40,000 interlocking basalt columns. Most are hexagonal, resulting from ancient volcanic erruptions. The columns appear to be stepping stones for ancient giant warriors, and lead into the sea toward Scotland, which is only about 20 miles away.
Along the way, we also stumbled upon a cave site used by the producers of "Game of Thrones" for an episode.Read more
Barbara PyeLove those basalt crystals. So interesting to see
9/12/17Reply
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Day 5
Tuesday, September 12, 2017 at 1:05 PM
⛅ 14 °C
Altitude: 95 ft
Ireland Balgriffin 53.4037, -6.179753°24’13” N 6°10’47” W
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Last Day in Belfast
September 12, 2017 in Ireland ⋅ ⛅ 14 °C
We left for Dublin this afternoon after lunch with Kelley and Paul and a visit to the Queens University campus and Ulster Museum in Belfast. Beautiful downtown campus with lots of "kids" and no parking. We found a palm tree in Belfast!
Off to Venice in the morning.Read more
Traveler Looks like you're having a great time. Have a wonderful trip to Venice
9/12/17Reply
Barbara Pye Rudbeckia, coreopsis, and dusty Miller. Very pretty
9/14/17Reply
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Day 6
Wednesday, September 13, 2017 at 3:00 PM
☀️ 22 °C
Altitude: 33 ft
Italy St Mark's Basilica 45.43512, 12.3398645°26’6” N 12°20’23” E
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Venice
September 13, 2017 in Italy ⋅ ☀️ 22 °C
We arrived in Venice today after a smooth Aer Lingus flight. We have a "darling" apartment (per Linda) overlooking a canal and bridge in the first picture. She's right, it is darling!
Traveler What a great view! So pretty
9/13/17Reply
TravelerNeed an inside picture of the "darling" apartment.
9/13/17Reply
TravelerGreg, we'll take some pics for you. I know how you love this kind of stuff....
9/13/17Reply
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Day 7
Thursday, September 14, 2017 at 11:53 PM
⛅ 16 °C
Altitude: 39 ft
Italy Darsena Arsenale Vecchio 45.43594, 12.3454845°26’9” N 12°20’44” E
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Second Day in Venice
September 14, 2017 in Italy ⋅ ⛅ 16 °C
We toured the Doge's Palace and St Mark's cathedral this morning and had a boat tour of the city this evening. First shot is of a canal off the Grand Canal at sunset.
Second shows the neighborhood in which we are staying. These are followed by some pictures from the Doge's Palace and a random interesting door along the way. Lots of walking in Venice. It's a target rich environment for pics.Read more
Susan FormanekWish i was there, your pics are beautiful! Oh well next year.
9/14/17Reply
Traveler This is Stunning Linda!!
9/15/17Reply
Barbara Pye Amazing lighting for this photo of The Bridge of Sighs
9/15/17Reply
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Day 8
Friday, September 15, 2017 at 8:08 PM
⛅ 17 °C
Altitude: 39 ft
Darsena Arsenale Vecchio 45.43606, 12.3460245°26’10” N 12°20’46” E
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Venice' 3rd day
September 15, 2017, Darsena Arsenale Vecchio ⋅ ⛅ 17 °C
We had a free day in Venice today. We found the Palace Grassi (Linda's maiden name)! There was an art exhibition being held there today.
We also saw a view which is reminiscent of the painting in our living room (with the blue covered gondolas). Linda also bought me a Maserati and I bought her a new sweater. Fair enough.Read more
TravelerSounds like you're having a great time! Can I drive the Maserati when you get back?
9/15/17Reply
Barbara Pye Peter and I saw it but did not go in. Good on you.
9/15/17Reply
Barbara Pye Looks a little blustery, but neither of you is too bundled up, so I'm guessing it's still good weather
9/15/17Reply
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Day 9
Saturday, September 16, 2017 at 4:00 PM
⛅ 19 °C
Altitude: 420 ft
Italy Asolo 45.79419, 11.9095145°47’39” N 11°54’34” E
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Leaving Venice for Asolo
September 16, 2017 in Italy ⋅ ⛅ 19 °C
After some morning hot chocolate and croissants we left Venice to drive to Asolo. Asolo is known as the city of a hundred horizons due to its mountainous setting. We walked up to the village this afternoon and took some of the attached shots. We began in drizzle, but returned in sunshine.Read more
Traveler Pretty as a painting.
9/16/17Reply
Traveler Again, Pretty as a painting!
9/16/17Reply
Barbara Pye Unbelievable! It looks like the clouds are below you
9/17/17Reply
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Day 10
Sunday, September 17, 2017 at 2:00 PM
⛅ 20 °C
Altitude: 390 ft
Italy Asolo 45.79403, 11.9102645°47’39” N 11°54’37” E
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Asolo and surrounding wine country
September 17, 2017 in Italy ⋅ ⛅ 20 °C
We took a tour of the wine country near Asolo today. We highly recommend this area for all of you travelers. The day was perfect with blue sky and billowy clouds. This area is best known as the home of the Glera grapes from which Prosecco is produced. Take a look at the pictures. It was quite a day.Read more
TravelerI hope you had a glass of Prosecco for me. 🥂 Lois
9/17/17Reply
Traveler Great view!
9/17/17Reply
Traveler Lovely!
9/17/17Reply
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Day 11
Monday, September 18, 2017 at 6:00 PM
☀️ 19 °C
Altitude: 886 ft
Italy Creti 43.2513, 11.8740943°15’5” N 11°52’27” E
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Gray day at Lake Garda
September 18, 2017 in Italy ⋅ ☀️ 19 °C
Linda's Nonno was born in a town near Lake Garda in northern Italy, so we made sure to stay in the area for the day. Sorry to say that we had a wet gray day to ride the ferry to Sirmione from Desenzano. But we had fun in Sirmione. This must be the gelato capital of Italy. The shops are thicker than Starbucks in Seattle.Read more
Barbara Pye Beautiful dellaRobia over the door
9/21/17Reply
Barbara Pye It may be a gray day, but it's a sunny pair!
9/21/17Reply
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Day 12
Tuesday, September 19, 2017 at 3:00 PM
☀️ 17 °C
Altitude: 889 ft
Italy Creti 43.25126, 11.8739943°15’5” N 11°52’26” E
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On to Tuscany!
September 19, 2017 in Italy ⋅ ☀️ 17 °C
We started our day in Rivotella, the town where Linda's maternal grandfather was born. Linda took a photo of gray Lake Garda. We then took a long drive to Creti in Tuscany, where we will stay for four nights. The Italian drivers all think they are Mario Andretti, but they appear to be consistent about it. We did some shopping after the long drive and made some salmon and salad for dinner. Touring Tuscany tomorrow.Read more
TravelerSo nice to be along with you. See you soon. J and J
9/21/17Reply
Barbara Pye Gosh that's lovely
9/22/17Reply
Barbara Pye Another apartment? Florence?
9/22/17Reply
Linda Beirne Hi Barbara, We had a small kitchen when we were staying at the Farm House in Criti the Tuscany region. We just arrived in Florence this afternoon.
9/23/17Reply
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Day 13
Wednesday, September 20, 2017 at 3:00 PM
☀️ 20 °C
Altitude: 879 ft
Italy Creti 43.25139, 11.8732743°15’5” N 11°52’24” E
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Touring Tuscany
September 20, 2017 in Italy ⋅ ☀️ 20 °C
On Wednesday we took a private scenery/wine/cheese tour of the immediate Tuscan area. Beautiful rolling hills, somewhat reminiscent of California. It's a bit drier than Asolo where everything was still green. Great wine tour today along with the best gelato we have found - in the small village of Lucignano.Read more
Barbara Pye Are you up in Fiesole?
9/22/17Reply
Barbara Pye Beautiful shot. Great colors
9/22/17Reply
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Day 14
Thursday, September 21, 2017 at 2:00 PM
⛅ 20 °C
Altitude: 879 ft
Italy Creti 43.25137, 11.8733243°15’5” N 11°52’24” E
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Cortona
September 21, 2017 in Italy ⋅ ⛅ 20 °C
Cortona is the walled city made famous by the book and movie "Under the Tuscan Sun" (with the ever homely Diane Lane). We didn't see Diane, but did stroll the streets and had an opportunity to hike up to the Church of Santa Margherita (the path leading to the church is captured in a couple of today's pics.) Beautiful day in the low 70's and sunshine. We also spent some time in Foiano, where we sought out another gelato shop. Ay caramba!Read more
Barbara Pye Beautiful view down the valley
9/22/17Reply
Barbara Pye Another beautiful view of the valley
9/22/17Reply
TravelerOne of my favorite towns in Italy. Lois
9/22/17Reply
Traveler Lois & I were in Cortona in 2001. Nothing has changed. We stopped in a restaurant for dinner and had a Tuscan steak. Prepared like Nono did on the BBQ. Best steak I ever had. Also we sat across from the “This Old House” stars Norm and Steve. They were taking about rehabbing a house in Cortona. It didn’t happen.
9/22/17Reply
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Day 15
Friday, September 22, 2017 at 3:00 PM
⛅ 22 °C
Altitude: 207 ft
Italy Antinori Palace 43.77328, 11.250543°46’24” N 11°15’2” E
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Cooking in Tuscany
September 22, 2017 in Italy ⋅ ⛅ 22 °C
A bit of a lazy day Friday. Linda and I took a hands-on cooking class under the direction of our host Barbara and her mother at Villa Rosa Dei Venti in Creti. We made tiramisu and pasta noodles from scratch. Of course we needed antipasti and the right sauce. After 4 hours or so, we enjoyed the meal (along with wine from their vineyard) with our hosts and their family. It was the best!Read more
Traveler Great picture!
9/23/17Reply
TravelerCooking in Tuscany sounds fabulous and delicious. I'm sure it was great fun!
9/24/17Reply
Barbara Pye The light!the light! Beautiful
9/25/17Reply
Susan Formanek Beautiful picture, ready for a frame!
9/25/17Reply
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Day 16
Saturday, September 23, 2017 at 10:24 PM
🌙 17 °C
Altitude: 207 ft
Italy Antinori Palace 43.77328, 11.250543°46’24” N 11°15’2” E
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First day in Florence
September 23, 2017 in Italy ⋅ 🌙 17 °C
Today we drove to the Chiusi train station, dropped off the car and took the train to Florence. We arrived in mid-afternoon and immediately took off for the Uffizi Gallery where we spent a few hours gazing at works by Botticelli, Michaelangelo and da Vinci. Hey, those guys were good - and they all came from this area within the same century! We'll take a tour of Florence tomorrow and look forward to enjoying more of this city's culture.Read more
Barbara Pye Wow. Extra protection against crazy art vandals
9/25/17Reply
TravelerSo much fun and history. Florence is one of our favorites. Love the pics & posts
4/14/22Reply
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Day 17
Sunday, September 24, 2017 at 5:00 PM
🌧 17 °C
Altitude: 207 ft
Italy Antinori Palace 43.77328, 11.250543°46’24” N 11°15’2” E
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Tour of Florence
September 24, 2017 in Italy ⋅ 🌧 17 °C
So, I met this cute girl named Sparky on the Ponte Vecchio, and we decided to hang out and tour some sights in Florence. (The Ponte Vecchio is the most significant bridge crossing the Arno.) It was a rainy day, but our guide was excellent and we learned quite a bit about the city and it's history. The Florence cathedral was incredible.
We also went to the Galleria Dell Academia and saw Michaelangelo's David along with some of his unfinished works. (We saw a small musical instrument museum attached to the Galleria.) I have included a picture of the world's oldest upright piano! (For some reason this impressed me.)
The rain didn't slow us down, but pre-ordering tickets is a must to avoid hours long queues.Read more
Barbara Pye Intrepid travelers. Rain? Schmain! This is Florence
9/25/17Reply
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Day 18
Monday, September 25, 2017 at 6:48 PM
☀️ 19 °C
Altitude: 207 ft
Italy Antinori Palace 43.77328, 11.250543°46’24” N 11°15’2” E
Lucca
September 25, 2017 in Italy ⋅ ☀️ 19 °C
We took a ride from Florence to Lucca, a very pleasant village about 80 minutes West by train. This is the birthplace of Giacomo Puccini, my favorite operatic composer. We toured the Puccini museum and learned quite a bit about the maestro. We saw some original costumes from "Madame Butterfly" as well as some original compositions with his hand written notes.
We enjoyed some pizza and beverages and did a little shopping and sightseeing of local churches. Beautiful day. On to a little place we call Rome tomorrow.Read more
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Day 19
Tuesday, September 26, 2017 at 9:58 PM
🌙 18 °C
Altitude: 85 ft
Italy Theater of Pompey 41.89557, 12.4736141°53’44” N 12°28’25” E
Florence to Rome
September 26, 2017 in Italy ⋅ 🌙 18 °C
We took the speed train to Rome this morning, arriving in early afternoon. The trains travel at a speed of over 200 mph, but it never felt like it. On the other hand, the taxi ride to our hotel was much more exciting. We only had a short opportunity to sightsee today as we picked up our tickets for tomorrow's Papal audience! Early start in the morning.Read more
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Day 20
Wednesday, September 27, 2017 at 7:00 PM
🌙 21 °C
Altitude: 85 ft
Italy Theater of Pompey 41.89561, 12.4736541°53’44” N 12°28’25” E
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Rome now and in the past
September 27, 2017 in Italy ⋅ 🌙 21 °C
Yup, that's the Pope! We got up early to get to Saint Peter's Square for a papal audience today. We followed the advice of the priest who handled the tickets and got into a position for a close up photo op. Very exciting day. The man was about 6 feet from us.
We also took a walking tour of the Colosseum and other historic sites this evening. We are tired, but content. Sistin Chapel tomorrow.Read more
Traveler Wow, You were close. Great shot!
9/27/17Reply
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