Caught the early train to Rome this morning, watching Tuscany roll by with its fields mainly being baled, then stored our luggage at the station so we could revisit this beautiful city. The last time we were married here, but no new shock surprise! Caught a taxi down to the Pantheon. Such a beautiful building. Not too packed, though we had forgotten the queues in Rome. Walked to the Trevi Fountain, which is always busy. Threw a coin in and said a prayer. Apparen...

Took the ferry this morning to Portofino, another postcard perfect harbour. The trip was just under 2 hours & after the first 20 minutes we pulled into dock & I said, "this isn't it!" Realised we were to stop twice more to pick up passengers. Doh! We were also taken to L'Abbazia di San Fruttuoso, which is the Abbey of San Fruttuoso, a Catholic abbey on the Italian Riviera between Camogli and Portofino. You cannot believe the colour of the Mediterranean ...

What do you do when you become too complacent where you're staying in a town? You catch an express train to Pisa!! We realised 5 minutes in, but luckily it stopped 30 mins later & we could return. Oops. Totally fell in love with Corniglia today. So different from the other towns that make up Cinque Terre. A STEEP climb up stairs to the town to be greeted by the Church bells. Surrounded by vineyard terraces, this town is the only one without a working port. I...

Very quiet in the mornings, as the nights are so late. A few fitness types out but a calm sea & few people make it seem a different place. Had breakfast in the hotel foyer, the staff couldn't be more helpful, then started our day at Riomaggiore, the last of the 5 towns that make the Cinque Terre. Very steep town & lots of places weren't open as we were so early. We tried to get to the highest point to get the lay of the land. A small harbour, beautiful c...

So sad to leave another gorgeous Aunt & Uncle, but we have been blessed to have spent the last 9 days in France with Dad's side of the family & share their incredible summer life in France. We simply wouldn't have experienced the things we have without them. Waved au revoir from the Antibes train station, destination - Monterosso, Italy. The first train was packed due to the Bastille Day long weekend, but we were going further than most day trippers, so...