Arrived safely in Rome and caught a taxi to our apartment. It is in the Catholic district, so feeling quite at home:) 1 bedroom apartment with modern bathroom and comfy bed. There is a lot of 'teak' around the place and the walls could do with a painting here and there, but it is clean, roomy and in a great spot. It also has an iron which means we no longer have an excuse for looking like hobos! Researched in the train some places to eat and drink, and headed ou...

Time to say goodbye to Venice. Again we were torn between hating to leave, but equally despising the number of tourist groups that totally dominate the St Marc's area. When we stepped outside our hotel, it was literally like trying to cross the road in Hong Kong. You had to 'eye a break in the traffic' move swiftly and target a spot to get to. I am not sure what was scarier - getting collected by a camera wielding, overweight tourist, or actually get carried alon...

Dinner on Saturday night would have to have been the best of the trip so far! How good is 'googling':) This wonderful woman who writes for the Telegraph UK, has lived in Venice for 25 years and knows her food, recommended a place in a 'never could be found without GPS' part of the city. Thank goodness Johno had downloaded his 'city maps' app. It's usefulness may be questionable when it comes to the 'must sees' they recommend, but the location maps are brilliant! ...

Early start, as our check out time on the boat was 9am. Amazingly smooth disembarkation - bags awaiting for us on the wharf, then straight on to a water taxi to take us back to Hotel Paganelli. It was wonderful to stand on the ferry and soak in the beauty of Venice once again. We knew we would be far too early to check in to the hotel, but knew they would welcome us back enthusiastically as we were 'repeat' customers. John and I bounded in the door with a big 'we...

Awoke to blue skies and the wonderful view of Bari in South Eastern Italy. After a visit to the gym we headed ashore. On googling prior to trip it didn't seem to have much to offer, but I found a bike company called Velo who offered old city tours in a rickshaw. The photos on the web were of happy smiling handsome young Italians hosting the tours and it certainly was accurate advertising. I had booked it online, no payment required, and we were met as we stepped ...