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ENGLAND, ITALY, NORWAY&SWEDEN
  • Gail Woodward
  • Gail Woodward

ENGLAND, ITALY, NORWAY&SWEDEN

A 34-day adventure by Gail Read more
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  • Trip start
    April 24, 2026
    Gail WoodwardENGLAND, ITALY, NORWAY&SWEDENGail Woodward
    University College of LondonVictoria and Albert Museum

    Townsville to London, Days 1&2

    Apr 23–28 in England ⋅ 🌙 7 °C

    Arriving early into London, is always exciting with Spring weather at this time of the year is brisk with single figures overnight and early morning. London's gardens are beginning to burst with colour and the parks are busy with runners, dogwalkers and families. The temperature highs are around the 19-21 degrees. Feeling refreshed on arrival, we spent the first day on the tube visiting UCL (University College of London) and parts of the British Museum before checking in at The Grand Royale Hotel, Hyde Park. We stayed awake as long as we could then finally fell asleep.
    We begin each day with breakfast at Les Filles Cafe, which has a great menu and coffee made the way we like it. ☕️ Day 2, our plan was to explore parts of the Victoria and Albert Museum on Cromwell Rd, and on arrival we joined a tour which focused on Vivian Leigh, film and photography. Following the tour we headed off solo to the many different sections and floors until we reached our saturation point. In the evening we saw "The Play that Goes Wrong" at the Duchess Theatre (a small theatre in the West End). It is a comedy based on an amateur theatre group's performance of their annual play which goes awry.    Read more

  • Gail WoodwardENGLAND, ITALY, NORWAY&SWEDENGail Woodward

    London Day 3

    April 25 in England ⋅ ☀️ 21 °C

    On our third day in London, we travelled to Buckingham Palace. I had not revisited the Palace since the 1990's and thought I'd like to refresh my memory. The parks and gardens were colourful and the squirrels darted this way and that. The London Marathon was on this weekend so the Mini-marathon (mainly children running however some adults took part) was taking place today with the main event scheduled for tomorrow. From the Palace we walked past The Ritz and then onto Harrods where we enjoyed a delicious ramen lunch and some "window shopping"... given how exclusive the prices were and our motivation to purchase was low. Hamley's Toy Store was on our radar, where we found our shopping mojo and picked up toys for both the big kids and small kids in the family. All shopped out, we headed back towards our accommodation and ended the night with a pub meal at the local.Read more

  • Gail WoodwardENGLAND, ITALY, NORWAY&SWEDENGail Woodward

    London Day 4 & 5

    April 26 in England ⋅ ☁️ 9 °C

    This morning I rang to check in on family at home after breakfast and then we headed towards the Sherlock Holmes museum on Baker St. Due to time constraints though, we ended up in the Beatles Shop next door to the museum instead, as we had tickets booked for a tour of Lord's Cricket Grounds and Museum, and we didn't want to be late. The tour of Lord's took a couple of hours and it was very informative and most enjoyable with our host sharing many personal stories of the establishment and its members, players and visitors. Moving on, we headed to the Phoenix Theatre in West End for the late afternoon session of "Stranger Things:The First Shadow" stage play. Making our way home, we had a lovely French meal at Côte Brasserie in Kensington, closer to our accommodation in Hyde Park. A long, and enjoyable day.
    Day 5 was a relaxing day with lunch in Kensington Gardens, a walk around the duck ponds and a cooked afternoon and evening. Off to Naples tomorrow with an early start to get to the international airport.    Read more

  • Gail WoodwardENGLAND, ITALY, NORWAY&SWEDENGail Woodward

    Sorrento, Italy

    Apr 28–May 2 in Italy ⋅ ☀️ 19 °C

    After flying into Naples, we caught the train to Sorrento arriving at the Grand Hotel Ambasciatori in time to watch the sunset over the bay, Gulf of Naples.

  • Gail WoodwardENGLAND, ITALY, NORWAY&SWEDENGail Woodward
    2

    Sorrento to Pompeii

    April 29 in Italy ⋅ ☀️ 20 °C

    After breakfast, we walked to the historic part of Sorrento. We decided to spend the afternoon in Pompeii at the Archaeological Park and Museum. In 79 AD, the city was buried under volcanic ash from Mt Vesuvius. The ash helped preserve the structures, frescoes and shapes of some of the inhabitants. The park is enormous and although we spent 3 hours there, we didn't have time to see it all.Read more

  • Gail WoodwardENGLAND, ITALY, NORWAY&SWEDENGail Woodward

    Sorrento to Amalfi Coast

    April 30 in Italy ⋅ ☀️ 20 °C

    Today we were collected by our small tour group, (8 plus the driver, Claude), from Sorrentomaxitours. Claude drove us along the Amalfi Coastline, stopping in Positano, Amalfi, Ravello, Praiano in addition to a boat ride out of Amalfi and an olive oil tasting. It was a full day and both scenic and interesting.Read more

  • Gail WoodwardENGLAND, ITALY, NORWAY&SWEDENGail Woodward

    Marì Cooking Class in a Farmhouse

    May 1 in Italy ⋅ ☀️ 18 °C

    Today we joined a couple from Portsmouth, England and joined Marì for a Farmhouse Cooking class. She has an incredible view on the Sorrento Coast and we cooked a 4 course luncheon together. Marì served us Bruschetta on arrival with prosecco and then we made our dessert, Caprese Cake, followed by Fried Calzoni, Ravioli Caprese, Lemon Meatballs and a Eggplant Boat dish. At the end Mari have us a copy of all the recipes and a little gift. 🎁 She shared her family's cooking experience in addition to her home made olive oil, red wine, limoncello, free range eggs and tomato sauce as well as fresh produce picked from the garden. Marì was a generous person and a talented chef. We look forward to reproducing the recipes.Read more

  • Gail WoodwardENGLAND, ITALY, NORWAY&SWEDENGail Woodward

    Villa Hamalia (Cariddi) Sicily

    May 2–12 in Italy ⋅ ☀️ 17 °C

    Flying out of Naples, we arrived in Catania, Sicily, then headed to the Villa arriving late afternoon. We had our first glimpse of Mt Etna, still snowcapped, as we headed towards Taormina and onto our accommodation.There were 14 of us in total, with 2 more to arrive the following day.
    The Villa is set high on the cliffs above Scaletta Zanclea. It is a 3 a storey home with a large outside entertainment area, perfectly suited to host weddings. It was a fun first night as platters of food were created and sundowners consumed overlooking the Ionian Sea. We could see the lights of mainland Italy from the deck. Amazing!!    Read more

  • Gail WoodwardENGLAND, ITALY, NORWAY&SWEDENGail Woodward

    Taormina, Sicily

    May 4 in Italy ⋅ ☀️ 21 °C

    Today we caught the train to Taormina. Taormina is a hilltop town on the coast of Sicily. It is located not far from Mr Etna and is known for its ancient Greco-Roman amphitheatre which is still used today. It has coves with sandy beaches, making it a popular tourist destination. We spent the day wandering the street and enjoying the cafe/bar culture. On the afternoon we visited the Four Seasons hotel and enjoyed pre-dinner drinks before catching the train back to Scaletta Zanclea.Read more

  • Gail WoodwardENGLAND, ITALY, NORWAY&SWEDENGail Woodward

    Cefalù, Sicily

    May 6 in Italy ⋅ ⛅ 20 °C

    This morning we packed our overnight bags and hopped on board a charter bus bound for Palermo. We made a couple of stops along the way. Some of the group shopped at an outlet, while the rest of us found coffee and fresh baked goods in Olivarella-Corriolo. Driving on we arrived in Cefalù for lunch and a wander around.
    Cefalù is in the northern part of Sicily approximatelt 3 hours from Messina. It is a coastal city with a 12th century Norman cathedral, with twin towers.    Read more

  • Gail WoodwardENGLAND, ITALY, NORWAY&SWEDENGail Woodward

    Palermo, Sicily

    May 6–7 in Italy ⋅ ⛅ 20 °C

    We spent the night at Palermo, which was another hour and a half by bus on from Cefalù.
    Palermo is the capital of Sicily. It has a huge neoclassical Teatro Massimo used for opera performances, as well as 12th century Cathedral and royal palace - the Palazzo dei Normanni, in the city centre. We walked to the Quattro Canti, officially known as Piazza Vigliena, which is a Baroque square in the center of the historic quarters of the city. We saw street markets and had dinner on the rooftop of the Hotel Ambasciatori. The weather was warm and we could see the lights of the greater city area twinkling on the hills nearby. It was magical!Read more

  • Gail WoodwardENGLAND, ITALY, NORWAY&SWEDENGail Woodward

    Valley of the Temples, Agrigento, Sicily

    May 7 in Italy ⋅ 🌬 20 °C

    On our way back to the Villa from Palermo, we stopped for several hours at the Valley of the Temples Archaeological and Landscape Park, located in Agrigento.
    It is an impressive and expansive collection of both man-made Hellenic Architecture and natural landscapes. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it houses the temples of the gods and a Necropalis area.

    The Temple of the Dioscuri - now has only four columns and has become the symbol of the city of Agrigento.
    The Temple of Olympian Zeus (Jupiter)
    The Temple of Concordia - built around the 5th century;
    Statue of Icarus
    The Temple of Heracles (Hercules) - the oldest Temple, housing a bronze Statue of Hercules. The Temple, destroyed by war and probable earthquake, retains 8 of its 38 original columns.
    The Temple of Aesculapius - a place of pilgrimage for the sick;
    Tomb of Theron
    The Temple of Vulcan - dating back to the 5th century;
    The Temple of Juno - housed the cult of the goddess of fertility;    Read more

  • Gail WoodwardENGLAND, ITALY, NORWAY&SWEDENGail Woodward

    Ortigia Island, Syracuse, Sicily

    May 9–10 in Italy ⋅ ☁️ 21 °C

    Traveling to Syracuse by train from Scaletta Zanclea, we enjoyed an overnight stay on the Island Ortigia which connects to the mainland via a series of bridges. Ortigia is the historical centre of Syracuse and holds many of the city's oldest landmarks. It houses Jewish and Arab/Spanish Quarters reflecting the influence of each culture and is the birth and death place of Archimedes.
    The Baroque-style façade of the Cathedral of Syracuse (il duomo) is a real highlight and undoubtedly the most beautiful church we've seen in Sicily. It's structure is originally a Greek temple (Doric order) and therefore it is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
    The Temple of Apollo is one of the most important ancient Greek monuments in the Greek speaking area of southern Italy. We stayed near the Piazza Archimedes which features an impressive fountain, cafes and general meeting place.
    The harbour offers boats, of varying sizes, protection and a few beach areas for those brave enough to swim in the cold water. The Fonte Aretusa promenade is the seafront promenade, where we sat to enjoy a sunset cocktail.
    The Fountain of Arethusa is a natural fresh water spring in Ortigia, located right beside the port. At the far end of the island is a citadel and castle, Castello Maniace, dating back to the 13th century. We also saw the oldest Catholic church in Sicily, built in 326AD.    Read more

  • Gail WoodwardENGLAND, ITALY, NORWAY&SWEDENGail Woodward

    Roma, Italia

    May 12–15 in Norway ⋅ 🌧 6 °C

    Arriving in Rome Tuesday afternoon with Ryanair from Catania, we checked into Suite Dreams hotel in via Modena and walked to the Trevi Fountain. It was busy and the weather was mild (18-22degrees). We were able to take some great photos and toss a coin each into the fountain over our shoulders. Afterwards we had dinner at Adeva Cucina Moderna and walked back to our hotel.
    Wednesday 13 May, we decided that after breakfast at Rosemary's Cafe, we would walk to the Basilica of Saint Mary of the Angels and Martyrs
    (Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri) before continuing onto the train Termini to catch the Bigbus to the Vatican City. It was great to revisit some of the big attractions. The whole afternoon was spent at the Vatican, going to the Museum, Sistine Chapel and St Peter's Basilica. On our way back to the Hotel, we called into Target Restaurant close to our hotel for dinner. It had interesting food and the staff were very engaging and fun. It had been a huge day and we were keen to rest our weary bodies.
    On Thursday we had a slower start to the day, Brunch at Rosemary's, walked to Capuchin Crypt and Museum, shopped locally and caught up with Matt and Bowie at Orient Express La Minerva Hotel Restaurant. Off to Stavanger, Norway, tomorrow morning, via Oslo to see Kristin and her family.    Read more

  • Gail WoodwardENGLAND, ITALY, NORWAY&SWEDENGail Woodward

    The Vatican City

    May 13 in Norway ⋅ ⛅ 10 °C

    The Vatican City, is of course, a very unique and wonderous place. We signed up for a 3 hour tour which took us through the Vatican Museum, the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica. We walked crossed the River Tiber having hopped off our Bigbus Tour, and tried to take in as much as we could in the time we had put aside. I found myself taking so many photos of all the art and architecture. It definitely deserves its own footprint!Read more

  • Gail WoodwardENGLAND, ITALY, NORWAY&SWEDENGail Woodward

    Klepp, Norway

    May 15–19 in Norway ⋅ 🌧 8 °C

    From Rome, we flew to Oslo then onto Stavanger. Kristin and Ørjan met us at the airport and we drove to their place in Klepp to meet the family, Eirik (11), Sissel (9) and Halvor (5). Oddny and Kare, Kristin's mum and dad, also came over to join us. Over the next 4 days, we met up with more of Kristin's family, their partners and children plus many lovely friends. It was such a delight to see their beautifully renovated home and enjoy its warm and welcoming atmosphere, the garden with tulips growing, 2 new additions...rabbits, as well as hear about their 5 month adventure volunteering in Madagascar 🇲🇬 just months before.Read more

  • Gail WoodwardENGLAND, ITALY, NORWAY&SWEDENGail Woodward

    May 17, Klepp

    May 17 in Norway ⋅ ☁️ 12 °C

    May 17th is Norway's Constitution Day 🇳🇴. We were lucky enough to celebrate with Kristin and her family and friends. Those who have them, wear their National dress/outfit (Bunad) and a parade is held which involves bands, dignitaries and local schools and kindergartens. Hoo-rah!! After the parade the local schools hold an event with performances and games for the children. Then families gather to eat and celebrate at each other's homes. Such a fabulous atmosphere 😍Read more

  • Gail WoodwardENGLAND, ITALY, NORWAY&SWEDENGail Woodward

    Stavanger ferry views, Norway

    May 18 in Norway ⋅ ☁️ 15 °C

    This morning we drove into Stavanger, and caught the ferry which services the islands. Some are connected with a tunnel however others rely on the ferry service to get them to the mainland. The Captain was a friend of Ørjan's and he invited us up to the top to get the best views.Read more

  • Gail WoodwardENGLAND, ITALY, NORWAY&SWEDENGail Woodward

    Skelleftea, Sweden

    May 19–22 in Sweden ⋅ ☁️ 17 °C

    Flying from Stavanger to Oslo, then onto Stockholm before arriving in Skelleftea, Tuesday afternoon, we were excited to be greeted by Moa, Rikard and Juni (13). On arriving home we met Mila (15) and Rikard made us Reindeer casserole. We spent time catching up on the last 12 years since we'd seen each other. It was a special start to our visit.
    Moa, host daughter/sister, was on exchange for a year in 1999. We have visited each other four times in total over the last 26 years. We all spent several hours at a Swedish Spa on the 19 floor of a hotel made primarily from wood and attached to the Cultural Centre. Following our pamper session we ate lunch at an Asian restaurant, and visited the Skelleftea Museum. Afterwards we walked along the river before a delicious dinner and enjoyable conversation. The girls bought "Swedish Candy" for us to try...😋🇸🇪    Read more

  • Gail WoodwardENGLAND, ITALY, NORWAY&SWEDENGail Woodward

    Skelleftea to Kåge, Sweden

    May 21 in Sweden ⋅ ☁️ 17 °C

    We walked into town and found a Cafe and some souvenirs to take home. The weather was much warmer today (top temps around 22 degrees) and the plan was for us all to drive 30 mins, with Boel and Olof, to their Summer house for lunch. The shoreline and the Baltic Sea looked amazing and we saw a seal basking on a rock in the bay. After lunch we called in to see Li (Moa's sister) and Moa's neice, Judith. That evening, we had a late dinner at Bryggargatan Restaurant by the river, and enjoyed our meals and engaging conversation.
    The following day we had an early lunch with Rikard's parents and headed to the airport to make our way back to London.    Read more

  • Gail WoodwardENGLAND, ITALY, NORWAY&SWEDENGail Woodward

    London, England

    May 22–24 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 19 °C

    Traveling back to London we left Sweden and returned to our previous accommodation in Hyde Park. On our full day in London, we had breakfast and headed to the theatre district for the remainder of the day. Our first show was a new stage drama-documentary with Ray Fiennes (as Sir Henry Irving) and Miranda Raison (as Helen Terry) called Grace Pervades. We followed this up with dinner and a walk around Travalgar Square. We then made our way to watch Cabaret musical at the Kit Kat Club. The London production of Cabaret is the record-breaking winner of 7 Olivier Awards, including ‘Best Musical Revival’. It lived up to its reputation and the cast were amazing. It was played in the round (seating all around the stage) with a 4 section revolving stage. Your attention was continually drawn to all parts of the club and stage. We headed back to our accommodation with an early direct flight to catch back to Perth, Australia.Read more

  • Gail WoodwardENGLAND, ITALY, NORWAY&SWEDENGail Woodward

    Perth, Australia

    May 25–27 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 23 °C

    We arrived in Perth around midday following a 17 hour direct flight from London. We walked around our area and had a late lunch and coffee before retiring to our accommodation at the Duxton Hotel on St George's Terrace. An early night and late rise the following day, helped us catch up on some sleep. We walked into Elizabeth Quay and then through the shopping precinct before settling at the Rooftop Bar with a drink, on the 18th floor of the QT hotel in the city centre, to watch the change of light. Back to the Hotel for dinner and bed, ready to fly home to Townsville tomorrow.Read more

    Trip end
    May 27, 2026
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