with Ross and Karen and John and Kaye now missing out on overseas travel as a result of the China Virus and with us being grounded as a result of mother-in-lawitis, I have decided to resurrect our past travels to remind us of the fun and adventures we have had and to look forward to the time when we can soar aloft again. (I have to find something to do because golf has been cancelled for at least the next two weeks.)
Our first adventure was to Italy and France in 2009, can you believe that is 11 years ago!
Some weeks prior to our departure, 1st August, Costalotta Tours hosted a four course dining experience and presented a Power Point presentation outlining the major aspects of the tour.
Looking back I have found an email dated 11 November 2008 confirming our booking for the "Spirit of Amalfi" tour. It must have been a long nine months waiting to embark on our adventure.
On 3rd September we all met up at Tullamarine airport for a 9.30 pm flight to Roma via Dubai. On arrival in Rome, initial panic until Karen's bags eventually arrive! Pick up our booked transfer and are taken to Hotel Diana. After freshening up we all head off for a walk. After a short stroll we are at the Colosseum and the Forum. Head back to Hotel Diana and the roof top bar where Luggy offers the first shout of beers. Later finds out they were 7euro each! Very generous John. After beers we head to a restaurant for a lovely pasta dinner and we collapse into bed around 9.30 pm.
Day 2
After a great nights sleep we meet up for breakfast at the roof top garden. After breakfast we head of to the Metro to train it to the Vatican. Ann finds out where to buy the tickets and which train and direction to go. Trains fast and regular and we shortly arrive at the Vatican. St Peter's square is huge and it is hot and crowded. Very long queues. Ann and Kaye head off to look for local tour guides. We sign up for a jump the queue tour of the Vatican Museum, and St Peters. There are about 50 people in the tour. The tour guide was from Toronto but very informative. The paintings and frescoes were incredible. The Sistine Chapel was very crowded but amazing.
We have lunch at a restaurant - beers and pizza. Head back to the Metro and get off at the Spanish Steps. We walk down the Via del Condotti, home to Dior, Gucci, Prada etc. Very slow walk by the girls. We get to the Trevi fountain and throw our coins in over the shoulder. We walk back to our hotel and Ross and I buy beers from one of the roadside shops - very cheap, something like 1euro each! Every one meets up in our room for our very first "happy hour" session! Head off for dinner around 8 pm and find a place just round the corner from our hotel. Afetr dinner we are provided with a limoncello gratis. A very enjoyable day.
1 comment:
... And so Costalotta Tours was born!
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