The landscape changed quickly and, before long, we were driving through rolling hills, every view - pure art. When we got to Mucigliani, our hamlet, we couldn't believe this was our home for the next week. The apartment has a brand new, modern interior but is part of a house that was originally built in the 1600s. It has a breathtaking view and a swimming pool. The hamlet itself is tiny. There are no stores and probably less than 30 inhabitants. We were thrilled ...

We enjoyed packing up this morning. In as much as the hostel was cheap and perfectly situated, it was just too busy for us and we were happy to say goodbye to our 'roommates'. Back in the car, we headed for Pisa and got there in great time. As Rick Steves says, Pisa is a cliche that needs to be seen - quickly - and that's what we did. The crowds were minimal when we arrived and after taking the obligatory photos and breakfasting on cappuccinos, succo, and b...

Margaret started her second Journal today (her colleagues gave her a writing journal as a "happy travels" gift), and enjoyed her time, sitting on the Italian Riviera. There were fewer people sitting there this afternoon than there had been in the morning. That was because a few clouds came out and people started packing up. Apparently, they didn't pay good money for 26 degree weather. They expected 35 degrees so, in disgust, they left. To our amaze...

One of the parts of this trip Margaret has been looking forward to is Cinque Terre along the coast of Italy. It is a National Park which contains five hillside villages, and is highly recommended by Rick Steves. Today, we did the walk between the villages, starting with a gruelling but absolutely breathtaking 6 km walk up and down, around, and beside the incredible Mar Ligure (part of the Mediterranean Sea). It was brilliant, though very hot. The first link betw...

We had no trouble making our way to Marina di Massa from Verona, having figured out how the roads work, and we quickly booked ourselves into a huge hostel overlooking the ocean and moments from every Italian's holiday destination (they were everywhere!!). It wasn't the cleanest place, the staff was less than friendly or helpful, and our roommates were definitely not the best. However, for 44 Euros a night for the four of us, including breakfast, it was too good...