Sorry a bit slack with the blog. No Internet access since arriving in Florence nearly a week ago.
Verona was beautiful. We had quite a relaxing time, wandering the cobbled streets, drinking coffee in the piazza, buying goodies at the local bakery & cooking up fresh pasta to have with a good drop of red.
We loved it so much we are going back at the end of the month! Estelle will fly down for the weekend as a treat for her birthday. When you fall in love with a place you want to share it!

Liz & Paul enjoyed Venice, although a big day & very touristy.

We arrived last Saturday in Florence. John & I had been for a day previously with the kids. First impressions were the number of people. Dodging people on the narrow footpaths, seemed like hard work to see the attractions.

Our apartment is right in the centre. Unfortunately with this privilege comes the all night party noise apparently from the gay bar downstairs. So not even an option to join the party! Some nights have been ok though.

We spent a day a a walled village nearby, Liz & Paul went to Pisa & came back to
meet us at Lucca. The highlight of the day was the ride on a four seated bike around the wall. The guys sat in front & felt important thinking they were doing the hard work. Liz & I certainly contributed as much even though the guys would never admit it. The wall was 5 kms & we did 2 laps!

We have found a little cafe on the outskirts of Florence with very cheap coffee &
food. We have loved mixing with the locals away from the tourists.
We have been on a hop on hop off bus up to a little hilltop village called Fiesole. Apparently where the Italians from Florence head on a Saturday for a day out. seeing the amazing sights of Florence & changed our minds about this place. It is beautiful & also holds such history.

A day yesterday at San Gimignano. A highlight of the trip! This village in the heart of Tuscany has sky scrapers from the 11th century. It is called the Manhatten of Italy & deserves it's title. Climbed to the top of the highest & were speechless at the beauty of the Tuscan countryside & the village.
Will definitely return at some stage in the future.

We head to Sorrento tomorrow for a night then off to Positano. Can't wait to see the next gem in Italy. We are having a wonderful holiday.