Arrived back in Rome after a couple of hours stop in Sienna, home of the Palio horse race. This is a bareback horse race with a field of 10. They cover part of the main square with clay to make a track and the field goes "hell for leather" around the circuit 3 times. The race had been held the day before we were there and we saw the winning horse, jockey and half the town parading with banners, lots of drumming and blowing of whistles. Had our final dinner t...

Went across to a little island for dinner by a private charter boat. The food was nice once again. The lake was very calm and it was a lovely balmy night. Going home were entertained by some good old rock n roll music. Left our little relaxation spot the next morning on our way to Florence. Stopped at Pisa for lunch and to take the obligatory photos. Arrived Florence late afternoon and had a short break before going to the Tuscan hills for dinner. Had dinn...

Spent most of the day shopping/looking around Venice after our Murano glass blowing demo. Ho hum!!! It was soooo hot mid 30s and 93% humidity. Then it was onto the water taxi again to go to Burano a fishing village for late lunch/early dinner. By the time we got there it was 3.30pm and most of us I think would rather have gone back to our hotel for a cool shower. However, the lunch was very nice - risotto, followed by grilled sea bass and salad, followed by...

Left our lovely hotel in Sorrento after 2 nights. Would have been nice to spend another day. Headed to Assisi, stopping on the way at Cassino to visit the Commomwealth War Cemetery, dedicated to WW2 veterans. It was good to see that it was so well kept and maintained. Very moving. Arrived in Assisi to visit the crypt and basilica of St Francis. Before our visit had a message from Kim "contact me, doesn't matter what time". Panic set in. It was wonderful t...

Plane was late leaving Paris, Mel in row 27 and I was In row 11, but all OK. Arrived into Rome late and missed our transfer, so had to hang around the airport for 3 hours for the next one. Finally arrived at our hotel and it was time to go for a short tour of Rome and dinner. Thankfully the dinner was nice, lots of pizza and wine. Another early start the next morning and off to the Vatican museum, Sistine Chapel, St. Peter's basilica. We were were lucky to ge...