We are in a lakefront resort in Baveno on lake maggiore. We went to Portofino this morning and saw some vintage 12 metre yachts readying for a Rolex cup race. We then traveled through a lot of long tunnels on the way here. It is a pretty posh resort but they charge for everything extra. An Audi convention going on. Some pretty slick cars here.

Our Tuscan dinner last night lacked atmosphere but we were fed until we couldn't eat or drink another mouthful! We went to a winery before the dinner and tasted three very nice reds and bought two bottles for less than one of that quality would cost at home. Today we drove to stunningly beautiful area of Cinque Terra and walked around the third of the five villages where we saw some grape harvesting on the steep terraced cliffs and then took a train to the furthe...

Picture is in Florence at a lookout yesterday. This morning we went to the the medieval hilltop town of San Gimignano which was spectacular. We climbed 230 stairs to the to of a church tower and got a stunning view over the Tuscan landscape with wineries and olive groves. Tried the world famous gelato and did a little shopping. Also tried wild boar sausage- a specialty here. Then it was on to Sienna and Campo square where the Palio horse race is held every year. ...

Got to Tuscany today after spending the day in Florence. Too late to blog so cant write much now. Had good evening with some Australians at our Tuscan retreat including drinks by the pool and dinner. A fun bunch of people. Saw Michaelangelos statue of David today in the museum where it is housed in Florence. There is so much to take in here in Italy including the impressive churches and the narrow cobblestone streets lined with gelato shops and pizzarias. Ita...

today we went to see the vatican museums, climbed the Bramante staircase and toured the Sistine chapel. Then we went into St. Peter's Basilica and saw Michelangelo's Mary and Jesus sculpture. After lunch we toured the colosseum. Tonight we are going on a walking tour Of the Pantheon and the Trevi fountain.