Granada was another quick overnight stop, in fact so quick if we'd blinked we might have missed it. Tony had booked tickets online for a guided tour through Alhambra on the afternoon we arrived and that proved to be well worth the money spent. Alhambra is a Moorish palace and fortress that was originally constructed in 889 and then largely ignored until its ruins were renovated and rebuilt in the mid-11th century. In 1333, it was converted into a Royal Pala...

After picking up our rental car in Barcelona, it was time to start our gradual drive towards the south of Spain. We had booked a 'medium' sized car (as 'small' rental cars are not allowed on the motorways in Spain) and our wheels for the next few days turned out to be a very racy black Alfa Romeo, Giulietta. The drive from Barcelona to Valencia takes about three and a half hours, opting for the quicker toll roads, as taking the non toll routes wou...

Leaving our friends Doug and Janet in Venice (as were driving north to continue their European adventure), Tony and I boarded our flight from Venice Treviso airport, Barcelona bound. I had a window seat which gave me the perfect wing shot on takeoff and those of you who know me well, will know I love wing shots. We had a shuttle booked as part of our Ryan Air flight and the driver gave us a running commentary of points of interest and famous buildings on our dr...

First stop, PisaWhen heading north west from Florence, Pisa is a must stop, even if just for a few hours. Having been to Pisa before we already knew it is very touristy. Inside the 'Piazza dei Miracoli' (Square of Miracles), you will find, Pisa Cathedral, the Pisa Baptistry, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, and the Camposanto Monumentale (Monumental Cemetery). Markets surround the perimeter of the area (selling all the usual touristy trinkets and t-shirts). Ja...

Last time we visited Venice we camped in a little campground on the mainland about fifteen minutes by bus from Venice itself, this time although it would have been nice to stay on the island of Venice, we had a car and with no roads and a very expensive car parking building, we chose to stay at Hotel Bologna, in Mestre, which is just one stop on the train stop from Venice. The railway station and bust stops were directly opposite the hotel, so in just 10 minute...