2013 European Adventure June -July
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Kilometres walked
Total to date: 371.9 klms
Average /day: 10.9 klms
Total to date: 371.9 klms
Average /day: 10.9 klms
Saturday 6th- wednesday 10th July
Venice, Cessenatico, Castiglion Fiorentino
Sorry folks blog writing is a bit behind. We have now arrived in Castiglion Fiorentino( in Tuscany) where we will stay for a week. This should be a relative relaxing time, although there is much to explore.
Venice was an interesting time. We decided to stay within Venice proper, and chose a B & B, fully expectingit to be a somewhat mediocre standard. We survived some intersting rooms, dodgy shared bathroom. Access to the shower cubicle wa very tight- in Steve's words- you needed to lather up to slip into the shower.
Venice is unique. The canals, old buildings and general vibeswas pretty good, but on the downside, it was so busy, smelly, expensive etc. We bought a three day pass for the Vaporetto( water bus) so we were able to jump on and off at will. This helped with a pretty extensive tour of Venice. Without Phil to crack the whip, the pace may have slowed slightly, but we more then kept up our targetted steps per day.
We probably all have specific highlights, but I think Maurano Island was one of the nicer areas, and the glassware was just amazing. Having missed out on St Mark's Basilica on our last visit 1999, it was pleasing to finally see inside. It was indeed beautiful, but we have seen so any magnificant cathederals erc overthe past 5 weeks, it is almost deja vue...
After three days in Venice, it was time to pick up rental car. This time, unlike Vienna, there was absolutely no problems and we have lovely litle Peouget 3008 wagon, which fits all our luggage, but is still a pretty small size vehicle.
After Venice, we stopped at Cessenatico. This seaside place was almost picked at random, about half day travel from Venice. What a pleasant surprise. A nice hotel, and a reception that was lovely- we were the first Australians to stay in the hotel, and the owner Vanessa was so friendly and helpful.
Had a swim in Adriatic Sea. But hard not to compare with Australia. Most of the beach was private pay beach, with just a small section of free beach. Water was warm, but not as clean as we are used to in Australia.
We went into the old part of town for dinner. What a lovely area, beautiful old sailing ships in full rig alongtne harbour. Lots of lovely restauarants. We chose one that looked nice and had a good outlook. Only problem- no Eglish Menu, nobody who spoke English, and our rudimentary Italian made for interesting meal, but we were all pleased with our choices. Great meals- seafood base.
The whole town came alive at night at there were people everywhere, carnivals etc for kilometres along the beach front.
Wednesday morning we headed off to Tuscany- Castiglion Fiorentino we we are staying for a week in an old convent. However I suggest the nuns never had it so good. It is a beautifully restored place. We have an apartment that would sleep 6, so plenty of room.
On the way we stopped at Urbino. This UNESCO listed site is a beautifully restored old walled city. It now contains a university. Daylle and I and the girls visited here in 1999. It made such an impression we were keen to show Steve and Erika the town. It was also the town where in 1999 we rang Jonathan to hear the good news of him asking Sharon to marry him. So good memories.
Tomorrow we start to explore more of Tuscany, although I think we want to be fairly sedate and absorb a lot of the local atmosphere rather then lots of travelling.
Love to all
Greg
Venice, Cessenatico, Castiglion Fiorentino
Sorry folks blog writing is a bit behind. We have now arrived in Castiglion Fiorentino( in Tuscany) where we will stay for a week. This should be a relative relaxing time, although there is much to explore.
Venice was an interesting time. We decided to stay within Venice proper, and chose a B & B, fully expectingit to be a somewhat mediocre standard. We survived some intersting rooms, dodgy shared bathroom. Access to the shower cubicle wa very tight- in Steve's words- you needed to lather up to slip into the shower.
Venice is unique. The canals, old buildings and general vibeswas pretty good, but on the downside, it was so busy, smelly, expensive etc. We bought a three day pass for the Vaporetto( water bus) so we were able to jump on and off at will. This helped with a pretty extensive tour of Venice. Without Phil to crack the whip, the pace may have slowed slightly, but we more then kept up our targetted steps per day.
We probably all have specific highlights, but I think Maurano Island was one of the nicer areas, and the glassware was just amazing. Having missed out on St Mark's Basilica on our last visit 1999, it was pleasing to finally see inside. It was indeed beautiful, but we have seen so any magnificant cathederals erc overthe past 5 weeks, it is almost deja vue...
After three days in Venice, it was time to pick up rental car. This time, unlike Vienna, there was absolutely no problems and we have lovely litle Peouget 3008 wagon, which fits all our luggage, but is still a pretty small size vehicle.
After Venice, we stopped at Cessenatico. This seaside place was almost picked at random, about half day travel from Venice. What a pleasant surprise. A nice hotel, and a reception that was lovely- we were the first Australians to stay in the hotel, and the owner Vanessa was so friendly and helpful.
Had a swim in Adriatic Sea. But hard not to compare with Australia. Most of the beach was private pay beach, with just a small section of free beach. Water was warm, but not as clean as we are used to in Australia.
We went into the old part of town for dinner. What a lovely area, beautiful old sailing ships in full rig alongtne harbour. Lots of lovely restauarants. We chose one that looked nice and had a good outlook. Only problem- no Eglish Menu, nobody who spoke English, and our rudimentary Italian made for interesting meal, but we were all pleased with our choices. Great meals- seafood base.
The whole town came alive at night at there were people everywhere, carnivals etc for kilometres along the beach front.
Wednesday morning we headed off to Tuscany- Castiglion Fiorentino we we are staying for a week in an old convent. However I suggest the nuns never had it so good. It is a beautifully restored place. We have an apartment that would sleep 6, so plenty of room.
On the way we stopped at Urbino. This UNESCO listed site is a beautifully restored old walled city. It now contains a university. Daylle and I and the girls visited here in 1999. It made such an impression we were keen to show Steve and Erika the town. It was also the town where in 1999 we rang Jonathan to hear the good news of him asking Sharon to marry him. So good memories.
Tomorrow we start to explore more of Tuscany, although I think we want to be fairly sedate and absorb a lot of the local atmosphere rather then lots of travelling.
Love to all
Greg