Vatican City State was founded following the signing of the Lateran Pacts between the Holy See and Italy on February 11th 1929. St Peters Bascilica - over 150 years passed from the decision of Nicholas V Parentucelli to enlarge and restore the ancient basilica to the completion of the Renaissance building with the façade (1612). The Vatican grottoes contain chapels dedicated to various saints and tombs of kings, queens and popes, dating from the 10th centur...

Ferrara’s origins date back to the 7th-8th century. During the High Middle Ages it was under the lordship of a number of powerful Earls, of whom little though is known. In 1385 a dangerous revolt convinced Niccolò II d’Este of the need to erect mighty defences for himself and his family; thus the Castello di San Michele was built, a fortress erected against the people. Its imposing proportions, its moat, its drawbridges and its towers date back t...

We started the day with our own Anzac Day ceremony at a lovely memorial overlooking the blue waters of the Cote D'Azur. Visited the historic, iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa...........Just as I imagined except I didn't realise that the leaning tower is surrounded by other buildings. The things you learn. Spent the rest of the day seeing the sights of Florence - Giotto's Bell Tower, Baptistery, Signoria Square, Sante Croce. Cant help but stand in awe of these magni...

Wonderful drive along the Cote d'Azur to Nice- playground of the rich and famous. Popped in to see the Grimaldi family and paid our respects at Princess Grace's tomb. Viewed with envy all the yachts in the harbour...had a bit of trouble finding mine!! Up in the hills we visited St Paul de Vence. What a wonderful place- medieval village bought to life with all forms of art, cobbled alley ways and a sense of peace and serenity. A visit to the Fragonard Perfumery...

Loooong drive today. Some magnificent scenery though including the snow capped Pyrenees in the distance. Across the Spanish border - how do they know where we are?- and onto Barcelona. Ole.... What a wonderful vibrant place. The dichotomy between old and new is amazing. We got lots of winks and "Bella donnas"!!!!!! Learn't the potent strength of Sangria. Flamenco dancing performance was breathtaking.