Trip to Italy

I just returned from a nine day trip to Italy and I cannot wait to go back.
Our trip started in Stresa on the shores of Lago Maggiore.
Our first night we had a welcome dinner on Isola dei Pescatori the most picturesque of the Borromean Islands.
We ate at the Ristorante Casabella and family owned and operated restaurant.
The most delicious ravioli I have ever had eaten!!
The next day we were off to Lake Orta, upon arrival to this hidden treasure we took a boat ride to Isola di San Giylio where we walked the grounds of a still working convent. We then returned to Lake Orta and enjoyed the enchanting lakeside resort with its many outdoor cafes and shops.
On day three we drove to the city of Lucca, one of Tuscany’s hidden gems. We enjoyed a walking tour with a local expert and visited the 14th century Cathedral of San Martino, Lucca’s medieval streets, Piazza S, Michele in Foro and Piazza Napoleone. Then we departed for the Etrusan town of Cortona.
We enjoyed a relaxing three night stay in the Villa Aurea tucked away in the uniquely beautiful Tuscan countryside.
Day four we headed for the city of Florence, the cradle of Italy’s Renaissance. We had a walking tour which highlighted the city’s treasures and monuments, including the Piazza del Duomo, center of religious life in medieval Florence, and Piazza della Signoria with its many sculptures.
For dinner we enjoyed sampling some delicious Tuscan cuisine at one of the medieval Cortona family owned restaurants, once again fabulous food, wine and company.
Everyone should visit Cortona; this is one of the most beautiful, quant villages I have been to.
Day five we had the pleasure of visiting a winery in the heart of Tuscany. Upon are arrival we got to visit the wine cellar, family estate and beautiful grounds submersed in vineyards, olive groves and stunning views.
We then met the winery’s chef for a Tuscan cooking lesson.
Afterwards we enjoyed our authentic Tuscan lunch, expertly paired with the wines produced in site.
This winery is owned and operated by women only.
Upon our return to the villa we enjoyed a relaxing picnic with our new found friends.
I was fortunate enough to be able to enjoy a marvelous massage at the spa that evening before our picnic.
Day six we drove to Siena for an expert-led walking tour through narrow medieval streets to the dramatic cathedral. We had time to enjoy the little shops hidden away on all the beautiful cobble stone streets and walkways that wind there way through the city and end up at the square.
We then enjoyed our scenic drive through the Tuscan countryside and across the valleys and mountain passes of Apennines.
We continued towards the truly unique city if Venice, built on 117 islands with 150 canals and 400 bridges.
The entire city if Venice is about the size of central park.
Within this city there are about 100 churches, of those 100 churches 95% are Catholic.
The next morning we enjoyed a boat trip to Murano Island for a fascinating glassblowing demonstration with time to visit the factory and shop. The group had no trouble finding beautiful Murano Glass items to purchase.
We returned to the charming St.Mark’s Square, the hub of Venetian city life. We met our local expert who took us on a walking tour which featured the Clock Tower with it’s famous Moors, St Mark’s Basilica, the Doge’s Palace, and the legendary Bridge of Sighs.
We were then left on our own to explore. Some chose to return to our fabulous hotel right on the canal, some took a gondola ride.
A few of us chose to find our way back through the winding little roads/walkways and over many of the 400 bridges. I managed to get the most fascinating pictures that day.
The last night we had a farewell dinner celebrating the end of a marvelous trip and our new found friends.
And as it would go we got on our way home just in time.
We had a 10 hour flight home, and sometime during our flight is when the volcano in Iceland erupted.
So as much as we wanted our trip to continue, I guess ending when it did was a good thing.
I am looking forward to visiting Italy again soon, and hopefully we will have the opportunity to see our new friends on another trip someday.
I know I have left out some details and experiences, but I will remember this trip for a long time, and I hope you will all get the opportunity to experience this wonderful country.
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