Three hundred years ago, wealthy young Englishmen began taking a trek through Italy in search of art, culture and the roots of Western Civilization – to become known as the “Grand Tour”. They had nearly unlimited funds, aristocratic connections and months or years to roam.Adrienne and I are doing the “Anderson Version” – diminishing funds thanks to the Euro diving, the only “connection” we have is a stopover in Dubai and we have under 3 weeks to roam !
So to those Poms I say – Bazinga !
Our “Grand Tour” includes –
Rome 5 nights
Florence 3 nights
San Gimignano (Tuscany) 2 nights
Lenno (Lake Como) 2 nights
Livigno (Western Dolomites) 1 night
Castelrotto (Eastern Dolomites) 1 night
Venice 3 nights
Whilst in Rome we have two “day trips” booked. One is to the Amalfi Coast and Pompei and the other to Monte Cassino.From Rome we are taking a fast(ish) train to get to Florence (a Frecciargento (or Silver Arrow) tilting train – these only go 200 kph whereas the fast ones can go up to 300 kph).
Whilst in Florence we have a day trip booked to the Cinque Terre.
Then we pick up a car on our last morning in Florence for the rest of the trip before dropping it off when we arrive in Venice for our last 3 days.
We have a few special treats lined up along the way but you will just have to wait for the “on tour” part of the blog to hear about these when they happen.
Adrienne has been busy with our detailed planning as usual and hopefully brushing up on her Italian skills as well – though she says “Spaghetti”, “Vino” and “Caffe” should keep us out of trouble.
And of course we have been researching, preparing and stocking up on the latest gadgets for our trip !
For those who are interested, Adrienne now has her own blog sharing these two passions – Travel and Technology. If you would like to see what she has been doing, go to Travels and Tech to find out.
Well that’s about it for now. Adrienne’s countdown clock is down to double-digit days left so it really won’t be long now. Can’t wait ! J