Great sleep. No noises, bright lights, bedbugs, aircon very quiet - bliss. No breakfast here so off to the corner store next door. Today, we are aiming for the Vatican. On our way spotted the Pantheon, a beautiful church, Piazza Navonna (much busier than 10 years ago), crossed the bridge, rides on a carousel for the girls, visited the Castel D'angelo, then St. Peter's Basilica. The line for security was immense and in the hot sun. But it was worth it. Even on my...

Last morning in Firenze. Another gigantic breakfast (whatever weight I lost from hours of walking will be a memory soon). Pleased to leave this particular hotel - very noisy. Then off to the station for our 11.40am train ride to Roma. A very quick ride, only 1.5 hours which is a breeze, especially on Italy's modern trains. Greeted at the platform in Roma with at least 2 men offering us a "taxi". No thanks, we'll take an "official" cab thanks. Found our hotel e...

A full day in Firenze. A big breakfast in the dining room started our day. Then off to explore! An aimless walk found the wonderful Bargello Museum! Spent quite a bit of time walking through this magnificent building and looking at the statues, pottery, artifacts, etc. Amazing to see the actual serving dishes, jugs, etc used hundreds of years ago. Sculptures also magnificent. By then we needed food, with a restaurant just opposite. Celeste left her (fake - no...

Last morning in lovely Bologna. The girls took lots if extra bread rolls from breakfast and we fed the pigeons in the piazza near our hotel. Quick taxi ride to the station. What's with the taxi drivers in Bologna? They get you there the direct route and even try to give you change! Unbelievable! A very quick train ride to Firenze (37 mins). Not sure why we bother to buy expensive seats for the train when it seems a lot of people sit where they want and mysteri...

Woke up with what looked like more little blisters or itchy marks. Either an allergy, due to hot weather or perhaps bed bugs from Venice (!). A big breakfast at the hotel. Everyone was happy because they were able to go and get whatever suited them for breakfast. Then off exploring down the endless lanes. Have never seen so many shops before. The buildings are so large and old. Lots of big arches, red brick everywhere. The walkways are so wide. There are lots ...