Vienna, 1st - 2nd August 1st August Goodbye gorgeous, romantic Venice, Hello Austria. After a day of travelling, playing games on the bus and visiting Hansel and Gretel’s house, we arrived in the tree-lined Vienna. A small number of people from the bus went into the city of Vienna for the performance of the Vienna Residence Orchestra. It was beautiful, Mozart and Strauss played in a gorgeous setting. Then we got a sneaky ride on the other tour b...

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...

French Riveria (Antibes, Cannes, Nice, Monaco) 24th July - 25th July 24th July Another day on the bus with a couple of stops, one of which was the last remaining walled city of Aigues Mortes, France. This walled city is gorgeous and such a shame we had a limit time here (only 1hr), but nevermind, somewhere to come back to. 25th July Under our own means we explored the French Riviera. I made my way to Cannes, not somewhere I had intended to go, but...