• Dan and Michele Boisvert
  • Dan and Michele Boisvert

Italy

A 14-day adventure by Dan and Michele Read more
  • Trip start
    May 13, 2017

    We're Off!

    May 13, 2017 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 13 °C

    After twenty years, we're headed for the Grand Tour of Italy: Venice, The Cinque Terre, Florence, Tuscany, Rome, and the Amalfi Coast. Of course, the heavy planning started eight months ago with the help of Rick Steves (who also helped guide us through Scotland five years ago and Poland last year). This year we're bringing along a friend, our mascot Nellie!Read more

  • All Planes Lead to Roma!

    May 14, 2017 in Italy ⋅ ⛅ 17 °C

    After a few airline hiccups, we were rerouted to Rome. So we won't be making it to Venice after all. But with two extra days in Rome (!), we'll now be able to squeeze in a few things we thought we wouldn't be able to.Read more

  • A Day of Ancient Rome

    May 15, 2017 in Italy ⋅ ⛅ 20 °C

    Our first full day in Rome. After taking care of transportation business in the morning, we decided to use the afternoon and early evening to admire Ancient Rome. We're still in awe of the Colosseum, and we learned that the Forum was much more at the center of Roman life than we imagined.Read more

  • Just like the post cards!

    May 16, 2017 in Italy ⋅ ⛅ 23 °C

    Just checked into the most adorable room here in Manarola.

  • A Day Exploring Cinque Terre Villages

    May 17, 2017 in Italy ⋅ ☀️ 20 °C

    After an early morning sunrise stroll through the terraced vineyards above Manarola, we headed out to visit 3 of the other 4 villages. Hop, skip, and a jump on the train to the tiny towns of Corniglia and Vernazza. Then after getting our feet wet in the Mediterranean Sea, we took a wonderful boat ride to the last little town of Riomaggiore. Finally back in our room, we are enjoying a great Italian custom - the afternoon Siesta!Read more

  • Rebirth in Florence

    May 18, 2017 in Italy ⋅ 🌙 22 °C

    After a quick (and early) train ride, we made it into Florence. Spent the afternoon exploring, including at the Duomo and a tour of the Accademia to view Michaelangelo's David. Too pooped to participate any further, we opted for a traditional antipasti and chianti on our deck.Read more

  • A Morning in Florence: Renaissance Art

    May 19, 2017 in Italy ⋅ ⛅ 22 °C

    After an early morning start with traditional Italian breakfast of expresso and pastries, we were on to the Uffizi Gallery. There, we saw paintings by Botticelli (Birth of Venus and Allegory of Spring), Raphael (Madonna of the Goldfinch), da Vinci (Adoration of the Magi and Annunciation), Michaelangelo (The Holy Family--though the photo attached is Signorini's Holy Family), and many others. Michele was enthralled with the exhibit featuring mostly sculptures of Michaelangelo's students. Dan's favorites were Botticelli's Allegory of Spring and, especially Birth of Venus. Figuring it is art, we then (window!) shopped along Florence's high end fashion avenue. As if knowing of our morning, a local musician graced us with a violin serenade.Read more

  • Mercato Centrale

    May 19, 2017 in Italy ⋅ ⛅ 22 °C

    Switching from art to food, it was easy to spend the early afternoon lost in the city's central market. Stall after stall of colorful fruits, tempting breads and pastries, locally made artisan cheeses, butchered meats, and ever more vino! We're now set for our pinic lunch as we meander our way tomorrow through Tuscany.Read more

  • Under the Tuscan Sun!

    May 20, 2017 in Italy ⋅ 🌙 15 °C

    Another day of transportation hiccups but it didn't keep us from a ride through at least some of Tuscany. Here are a few pictures of the gorgeous landscapes and a small little hilltown (Pienza) where we stopped for lunch. We have finally made it to a bigger hilltown, Orvieto, where we will stay for the next two nights. So we've attached the last photo, which is basically our courtyard! More tomorrow.Read more

  • Wonderful Morning Stroll in Orvieto!

    May 21, 2017 in Italy ⋅ ☀️ 21 °C

    Today was a perfect morning to sleep in a bit before heading out for a cool morning stroll around this ancient hilltop village. We criss-crossed the worn cobbled streets enjoying the gorgeous views, purchased a few items in the village workshops, ending with a picnic lunch overlooking the Tuscan valley below Orvieto. Time for our now "traditional" siesta!Read more

  • As the Tuscan Sun Sets....

    May 21, 2017 in Italy ⋅ 🌙 17 °C

    Dan and I are packing for our next adventure. We are back to Rome tomorrow but will never forget the gorgeous sites we have seen in this hilltop region and the delicious wines we have shared.
    Until domani!Read more

  • Roman Holiday II--Our Pilgrimage

    May 22, 2017 in Italy ⋅ ⛅ 24 °C

    Arrived early this morning in Rome for part 2 of this city's visit. A 22,000 step pilgrimage took us to the famous sites of the Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, and the Pantheon. From there we headed to Vatican City to marvel at the Sistine Chapel in all its glory. With 4 very tired penguin feet, we decided to stop at the Italian market near our hotel on the way back so that we can dine in (drink in) tonite!Read more

  • A Girl Needs Her Roman Shopping!

    May 22, 2017 in Italy ⋅ ⛅ 21 °C

    A few of the stores along our walk. Nothing struck us. :)

  • Peaceful Morning in the Borghese Gardens

    May 23, 2017 in Italy ⋅ ⛅ 25 °C

    Unsuccessful at purchasing tickets for the Borghese Gallery, we took advantage of strolling the lovely, shady gardens. To get there and back we traveled through the Via Veneto neighborhood, a once famous hot spot for the rich, famous, and glitzy! High end shopping, hotels, and restaurants lined the main street. Turning off onto a quaint side street, we found a perfect spot for a mid-day glass of wine, antipasti, and a caramel panna cottaRead more

  • Walking the Heart of Rome

    May 23, 2017 in Italy ⋅ ☀️ 26 °C

    We spent our final night here walking the Heart of Rome. The streets don't disappoint. Each turn is another revelation: Campo di Fiore, Pantheon, Galleria, Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps. It was exhausting and wonderful!Read more

  • Ahh, Sorrento!

    May 24, 2017 in Italy ⋅ ⛅ 19 °C

    From Ancient Rome to the serene coastline of Sorrento. So beautiful.

  • The Amalfi Coast--No Words

    May 26, 2017 in Italy ⋅ ☀️ 21 °C

    Even on a somewhat overcast day, there just aren't words to describe the Amalfi Coast. We were joined on our full-day tour by a nice family of four from Michigan and our driver, Mario. The roads were not as crazy as we had heard about, but the views were. Just grab a glass of wine and enjoy a few of the views. The first four are of Positano, then three of Amalfi Town, then three of heavenly Ravello.Read more

  • Ciao, Sorrento!

    May 26, 2017 in Italy ⋅ ☀️ 25 °C

    All good things must come to an end. We spent our last day in Italy meandering the streets of Sorrento, winding our way down to the marinas as we breathed in as much of Italy as we could before departing tomorrow. Ciao, bella.Read more

    Trip end
    May 26, 2017