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Grand Tour of Europe - 2023
  • Stephen and Debbie
  • Stephen and Debbie

Grand Tour of Europe - 2023

Finally! Our Grand Tour of Europe is here. 90 days travelling through the United Kingdom, France, (with a brief visit to Belgium) and then on to Italy, before finishing with a few days in Dubai. Read more
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  • Stephen and DebbieGrand Tour of Europe - 2023Traveler
    The Spanish Steps
    The crowds at the Trevi FountainYou see this everywhere.Pantheon - 2000 years oldThe Fountain of the Four Rivers in Piazza NavoneThe Tiber RiverColosseum1

    Rome

    July 8, 2023 in Italy ⋅ ☀️ 34 °C

    We then went for a walk around the areas close to our hotel and retraced some of our steps from yesterday. We climbed down the Spanish Steps and spent time at Piazza Navona. We also went back to the Trevi Fountain and the Pantheon to see if the crowds were any smaller than yesterday ... they werent.

    Today was 36 degrees and humid, so the beer and pizza tonight was well earned.

    P.S. We had a quick stop at the Colosseum on the way back from the Vatican. We will be back there in a few weeks.    Read more

  • Stephen and DebbieGrand Tour of Europe - 2023Traveler

    Pisa

    July 9, 2023 in Italy ⋅ ☀️ 33 °C

    This morning we enjoyed a drive to Pisa through rolling countryside dotted with cypress trees, vineyards and olive groves. Quite stunning.

    In Pisa, we saw the Leaning Tower in the Square of Miracles and the Pisa cathedral and baptistery. The tower was built between 1173 and 1372. It was 43 degrees when we were there - balmy like a Narrabri summer.

    Our journey then continued to
    the seaside resort of Santa Margherita Ligure on the Italian Riviera.    Read more

  • Stephen and DebbieGrand Tour of Europe - 2023Traveler
    Views from our balcony.Anyone want to go halves?Drinks on the balcony.

    Santa Margherita

    July 9, 2023 in Italy ⋅ ☀️ 30 °C

    After leaving Pisa we drove along the coastline of the Italian Riviera with views of the Ligurian and Tyranean Seas. Possibly one of the prettiest drives we have ever been on.

    But then we got to Santa Margherita Ligure. And then we got to our hotel room. We may never leave.Read more

  • Stephen and DebbieGrand Tour of Europe - 2023Traveler

    The Cinque Terre

    July 10, 2023 in Italy ⋅ ☀️ 27 °C

    Today was a magical day - not because of the 40+ degrees temperature, but because of our time on the Cinque Terre - five villages on the coastline of the Ligurian Sea that date back to the 11th century and the time when nearby Genoa effectively ruled the known world.

    We started in Manarola, then caught the ferry down the coastline to Manarossa, where we had lunch - 'fantastico'.

    Then we caught the train back to Sant Margherita Ligure, where we caught another boat down to Portofino - another magical place.

    Today was one of our best days ever - amazing scenery and great food. This area of Italy is a special place.    Read more

  • Stephen and DebbieGrand Tour of Europe - 2023Traveler
    This was at Portofino - huge!11

    Portofino

    July 10, 2023 in Italy ⋅ ☀️ 29 °C

    Portofino dates from the 10th century and is one of the most popular tourist spots in the entire world, especially with the rich and famous, including us.

    It was very special to visit and walk around. The shops are all Gucci etc, so we gave them a miss.

    We finished the day with some more pasta, seafood (and wine) at our hotel in Santa Margherita Ligure.    Read more

  • Stephen and DebbieGrand Tour of Europe - 2023Traveler
    A white peacock

    Lake Maggiore & Isola Bella

    July 11, 2023 in Italy ⋅ ☀️ 30 °C

    We left the Italian Riviera today and headed for the Italian Lakes. Lunch was at Stresa on the shores of Lake Maggiore and then we hopped on a boat and spent the afternoon on Isola Bella, touring the gardens and palace.

    So, in the 1600's, the Pope gives you three islands on Lake Maggiore as a reward for your loyalty - what do you do? You name them after yourself - the Borromeo Islands - and you build yourself a 'holiday house' on one and name it Isola Bella, after your wife Isabella.

    The Borromeo family, one of Italy's richest, still owns the islands today.

    Isola Bella is stunning and the perfect example of complete excess and immense wealth.    Read more

  • Stephen and DebbieGrand Tour of Europe - 2023Traveler
    Isola Superiore & Isola Bella
    The Grand Hotel DinoView from our room.

    Baveno

    July 11, 2023 in Italy ⋅ ☀️ 30 °C

    Our hotel is at Baveno on the shores of Lake Maggiore and we have a good view of the lake from our room. Our beer and pasta tour of Italy continued with dinner at a restaurant right on the water.

  • Stephen and DebbieGrand Tour of Europe - 2023Traveler

    Venice

    July 12, 2023 in Italy ⋅ ☀️ 28 °C

    Just when we thought we had decided on the highlight of our trip - along comes Venice. Wow!!!

    What a great day. We arrived in Venice around 2:30pm, were taken to our hotel by water taxi, then after a short explore, went by water taxi along the Grand Canal, under the Rialto Bridge and stopped at Piazza San Marco. Then it was back on the boat to the hotel, before a great dinner - pasta and wine.Read more

  • Stephen and DebbieGrand Tour of Europe - 2023Traveler

    Venice by Gondola

    July 13, 2023 in Italy ⋅ ☁️ 24 °C

    Today was another highlight. We had a boat trip into Piazza San Marco, then a couple of hours to walk around and see the sights - the Doges Palace, Bridge of Sighs, the Rialto Bridge and shops with shoes and handbags worth a small fortune.

    A gondola cruise through the canals and under the Bridge of Sighs finished the morning off in a special way.    Read more

  • Stephen and DebbieGrand Tour of Europe - 2023Traveler

    Murano

    July 13, 2023 in Italy ⋅ ⛅ 25 °C

    The island of Murano is the home of Venetian glass and we saw a demonstration of glass blowing and creating some objects - amazing skills from the 'glass master'. Very expensive but luckily some things met our small budget.Read more

  • Stephen and DebbieGrand Tour of Europe - 2023Traveler

    Burano

    July 13, 2023 in Italy ⋅ ☁️ 28 °C

    Burano is another Venetian island and it is famous for its fishing and coloured houses. It also has a crooked bell tower. Here we had a sensational seafood lunch and also enjoyed the quirky shops which sell the Burano lace work.Read more

  • Stephen and DebbieGrand Tour of Europe - 2023Traveler
    Michelangelo

    Florence

    July 14, 2023 in Italy ⋅ ☀️ 32 °C

    We made it to Florence in Tuscany today - a bucket list place based on reputation, although after arriving, we are not really sure what the fuss is all about.

    Its main sights are great, but it is the surrounding countryside that we are really looking forward to seeing tomorrow.

    We had a good walk around and saw Florence Cathedral, Giotti's Bell Tower, Signora Square, Palazzo Vecchio and the Gallery of the Academy, where we successfully fought our way through the Asian tour groups taking selfies to the front of the room, to have a good look at Michelangelo's 'David', the most famous statue in the world, and it was worth it.    Read more

  • Stephen and DebbieGrand Tour of Europe - 2023Traveler

    San Gimignano

    July 15, 2023 in Italy ⋅ ☀️ 25 °C

    This morning, we headed into the Truscan countryside to visit San Gimignano, which dates back to the Etruscan times, preceding the ancient Romans. Most of its current buildings are from the 11th and 12th centuries.

    It is well preserved and from its high points you can see the surrounding vineyards and farmlands for 360 degrees.

    Once we were back in Florence we were going to do some more exploring, but it was 38 degrees and crowded, so we opted for an afternoon of rest in the hotel, with of course pasta and wine for lunch! Good choice we think.    Read more

  • Stephen and DebbieGrand Tour of Europe - 2023Traveler
    2

    Ristorante Montebuoni

    July 15, 2023 in Italy ⋅ ☀️ 34 °C

    Tonight was pretty special - a dinner in the Tuscan Hills. The restaurant had views over Florence and the chef, Emilio, cooked two of the courses in front of us - Zucchini Risotto and a Grape Cake - and shared the recipes, as well as the secrets to cooking risotto. Along with the rest of the meal, which included antipasti and pasta, as well as baked rabbit, pork and chicken, it was fantastic. The food and wine were endless!!Read more

  • Stephen and DebbieGrand Tour of Europe - 2023Traveler
    Mount Vesuvius in the background.Petrified horsePetrified people

    Pompeii

    July 16, 2023 in Italy ⋅ ☀️ 34 °C

    As expected, Pompeii was spectacular. But it was extremely hot, although this didn't deter the crowds, as unfortunately once again the dreaded cruise ships were in town.

    It may have been hot today, but it would have been far hotter in 79AD when Mount Vesuvius erupted and covered the town in ash!!!Read more

  • Stephen and DebbieGrand Tour of Europe - 2023Traveler
    Bay of Naples
    Sorrento and the Bay of NaplesThere was music ,,,

    Sorrento

    July 16, 2023 in Italy ⋅ ☀️ 30 °C

    After leaving Pompeii, we followed the Bay of Naples along the spectacular coastline to Sorrento.

    We had dinner high over Sorrento overlooking the bay in another great restaurant, in the town of Sant' Agata.

    The restaurant, Lo Stuzzichino, is in the Michelin Guide and the chef and his family again explained the meals.

    The town of Sant' Agata was having a festival that night and was full of locals having a good time. The streets were lined with wooden table games for the kids. It was quite unique.    Read more

  • Stephen and DebbieGrand Tour of Europe - 2023Traveler
    The Isle of Capri as we head towards Sorrento.

    Isle of Capri

    July 17, 2023 in Italy ⋅ ☀️ 29 °C

    Today was a great day. Firstly, we travelled by ferry across to the Isle of Capri. It has amazing scenery, but that's about it. It would be even more amazing though, if you had amazing amounts of money. It is where all the mega rich and famous hang out.

    We think it is famous for just being famous. After the scenery, it is basically just eating and shopping and thousands of people.

    We did a boat tour around the island and then had lunch and walked around before heading back to Sorrento.    Read more

  • Stephen and DebbieGrand Tour of Europe - 2023Traveler
    Positano
    It was this hot in Positano!You need 'smell-o-vision' for this ... a black truffle pizza. Sensational!

    Positano

    July 17, 2023 in Italy ⋅ ☀️ 31 °C

    Once back in Sorrento, we hopped in a minibus and headed down the Amalfi Coast to Positano. This is one of the most scenic drives in the world and it was breathtaking. It is recognisable from the many movies that have filmed car chases along it.

    Positano was crowded, but pretty special, although the beach was nothing compared to Fingal Bay.

    Today was yet another highlight. It finished with pizza back in Sorrento, which was 'bellissimo'.    Read more

  • Stephen and DebbieGrand Tour of Europe - 2023Traveler
    Inside a recreated cave dwelling.2

    Sassi di Matera

    July 18, 2023 in Italy ⋅ ☀️ 37 °C

    After leaving Sorrento, we travelled through the Appenines to Matera.

    Here we saw the extraordinary Sassi di Matera, ancient homes and churches dug out of the rock. The caves were created in the 9th century and the buildings on top of them a few hundred years later. They were inhabited by about 20,000 people up until 1950, when the government forced them to move out over the supposed health issue of living in the caves.

    It is also where the movie 'The Passion of Christ' was filmed, as well as the car chase scene in the James Bond film 'No Time to Die'.

    It was a balmy 41 degrees when we were there, so we felt right at home.

    After leaving, we headed to Alborobello for the next two nights.    Read more

  • Stephen and DebbieGrand Tour of Europe - 2023Traveler

    Ostuni

    July 19, 2023 in Italy ⋅ ☀️ 33 °C

    This morning, we drove through many groves of olive trees thousands of years old on our way to Ostuni. We are in the Puglia region and it is home to the artisan Italian olive industry.

    Ostuni is a unique town rising up from the flat plains near the Adriatic coast. Its whitewashed walls and houses with winding streets make you think you're somewhere in Greece. It is known as the 'white town'.Read more

  • Stephen and DebbieGrand Tour of Europe - 2023Traveler
    These are in their original condition.

    Alborobello

    July 19, 2023 in Italy ⋅ ☀️ 36 °C

    After leaving Ostuni, we went to Alborobello, before returning to our hotel for a lazy afternoon.

    Alborobello has over a thousand 'trulli' houses. These are conical drystone wall structures.

    These could easily be dismantled and re-built after the tax inspector had gone, as in the 1400's you were taxed on the number of buildings on your property.

    Today, most have been turned into shops and accommodation using mortar and plaster.    Read more

  • Stephen and DebbieGrand Tour of Europe - 2023Traveler
    Amphitheatre and Mt Etna in the background.
    If you watched The White Lotus on Foxtel you would recognise this hotel.View from our hotel room.Mt Etna from our room.

    Taormina - Sicily

    July 20, 2023 in Italy ⋅ ☀️ 37 °C

    Today was a big travel day as we left the Puglia region and followed the coastline of the Ionean Sea and the Adriatic Ocean through the south of Italy and down to Villa San Giovanni. Here we caught a ferry across the Strait of Messina to Messina in Sicily. From there, we travelled down to spectacular Taormina.

    Taormina is below Mt Etna, an active volcano and it was smoking gently above us. Spectacular.

    Taormina has a Greek and Roman amphitheatre that dates back to 3B.C. It is still used today and when we were there, it was being set up for the opera season that runs until September.

    Its old town has a great shopping street with lots of narrow alleyways and hidden restaurants.

    We then went to our hotel and our room had views of the beach and Mt. Etna.    Read more

  • Stephen and DebbieGrand Tour of Europe - 2023Traveler
    These craters were a result of an eruption in the 1890's.11Lava flows.Making ornaments out of lava rocks.

    Mount Etna

    July 21, 2023 in Italy ⋅ ☀️ 23 °C

    Mount Etna is one of the world's most active volcanoes and is being very active at the moment. All the signs point to an eruption shortly. It does not shower rocks or ash, just slowly overflows with lava.

    The amount of steam rising from it presently is apparently a good sign that an eruption is imminent.

    It is 3357m high, but you can only visit to a point 1986m high.

    Whilst we were up there, a circle of steam appeared, which is extremely rare and another sign that an eruption is near. It is caused by exploding gas bubbles in the crater.    Read more

  • Stephen and DebbieGrand Tour of Europe - 2023Traveler

    Castelmola

    July 21, 2023 in Italy ⋅ ☀️ 32 °C

    Tonight we had dinner in the hills of Castelmola that tower high above Taormina. The drive up was not for the faint-hearted on steep winding roads with u-turns - the type of ones you see in the car chases in the movies.

    The dinner and views from the Chicchirici Trattoria were excellent. The chef gave a demonstration, showing how she made her eggplant parmigiana.    Read more

  • Stephen and DebbieGrand Tour of Europe - 2023Traveler
    Massimo Theatre on Verdi Square - the opera house.
    Palermo has lots of markets and stalls in its streets.Porto Nuovo - the new gate into the city, built 1669.The Norman Palace - built by the Normans in the 1100's after they conquered England in 1066.The Palatine Chapel - built between 1131 and 1140.All the pictures are mosaics, using tiles about 1cm square. Amazing.Palermo Cathedral dates from at least the 800's.Grave of Saint Rosaria - the patron saint of Palermo in the cathedral.

    Palermo

    July 22, 2023 in Italy ⋅ ☀️ 36 °C

    We left Taormina and drove across the heart of Sicily through the wheat belt and ancient hilltop Roman fortified towns, including Enna and Calascibetta.

    We arrived at Palermo on the Tyranean Sea for lunch and a two night stay.

    It is the largest city in Sicily with
    over one million people living here.

    We went on a walking tour and saw some of the magnificent buildings that date back to invasions by the Romans, Normans and Moors.

    Our Insight tour of Italy and Sicily ended tonight and we have an extra day to ourselves in Palermo, before flying back to Rome for four nights.    Read more

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