Italy - Venice, 30th - 31st July Venice - A city built on water - a truly romantic city, shame Rob wasn't there 30th July Pack up, stuff that sleeping bag and everything else into that suitcase and hop on the bus for another day of travel. We had some entertainment on the bus today as we leapfrogged along the highway with the gypsie campers of another Contiki tour. A contest ensued, and both bus passengers put in a good effort. I’m glad to say I...

Italy, Rome - 28th - 29th July 28th July Arriving in Rome just before lunch (sooo nice to have a short trip in the bus), we caught the Metro into the city, to the Colosseum. A quick walk around the outside of the Colosseum to buy a hat from a stall holder (bargained him down from 15Euro to 9) grabbed a bite to eat then met the group for our Imperial Rome Guided Tour. We took in/learned about/explored the Colosseum (from the outside only); ruins of the anci...

Italy (Pisa, Florence), 26th July - 27th July 26th July Leaving France we stopped at Fragonard Parfumeur for a tour of their perfume factory, with a spot of shopping. Pisa - a short stop here for the touristy photo opportunities that only the Leaning Tower of Pisa can offer. Onto Florence and the best accomodation of the trip. A quite night in Florence at BarGarta, and an opportunity to briefly see Florence at night. Took some cool photos across the...