Pisa and Cinque Terre

Sunday 15th June

An early start to connect with our only organised tour to Pisa and Cinque Terre. A big day starting 7am apparently return by 8pm. Tour is for 18 - 35yr olds - perfect! Thank goodness we are not only 'older' ones!

First stop Pisa and of course the Leaning Tower - which is actually a bell tower to the impressive cathedral which is also on sight. You get the perspective of its lean when you see it lined up with the cathedral.

It's got to be done!

All the buildings are made from marble taken from the nearby Carrara Hills. Not such a nice day today - bit cooler, 22 windy and cloudy. No rain yet. Hopefully it won't find us today.

The marble is so white it looks like snow on the hilltops.

We board the train to La Spezia to head to the Cinque Terre . A UNESCO site of five villages right on the coast . This area was hit hard in 2011 and sustained a lot of damage. Usually you can walk along the tracks between the villages but the tracks are still out of action. 

We stop in Romiaggore for a cliff top lunch and then head to two more of the villages Manarola and Vernazza.

Romiaggore

Manarola - gorgeous little streets full of restaurants and ice cream shops.

F

Vernazza - basil pesto and focaccia bread are specialties here. There is an old tower said to have been used for protection from pirates.

Another gorgeous spot in the world. 

A big day, but well worth the trip. 

Finished the day off at local restaurant "Nerones Trattoria". Had lunch here the day before, gorgeous waiter.

Florence

Saturday June 14th

It's been a whistle stop trip to Venice but great. Breakfast and a Gondola ride before we catch the train to Florence.

Well worth the 80euros! These guys are on a great hourly rate. Talking to the Gondolier makes about 800 euro a day , loves his work. Works 3 or 4 days and 3 days off . 

Trains great - see some of the countryside as you move from place to place. Arrive in Florence about 2. Great hotel, was a 17th century Florentine merchants house. Lots of old articles in hallways. ap in hand off to see the sights.

On first impression love it! Lovely cobblestoned streets - bars, cafés .

All the tourist attractions are in walking distance to each other . It's sunny and very hot. First stop lunch. Risotto for me and Sam has a specialty Penne dish - superb. He also tries a glass of Chianti - too early for me!

The Duomo - beautiful all the different subtle colours of the marble. The size of it - and the dome of course! 

The famous Michelangelo - David is the next stop . Queues for the gallery aref huge we decide to visit the replica in Piazza Della Signoria - in the heart of the historic centre. You can't take photos in the gallery either. Stunning. Palazzo Vecchi and one wing of the famous Uffizi gallery border the piazza.

The Neptune Fountain

The Pont Vecchi is next. This bridge is famous for its shops that run on either side selling jewellery and watches.

.the view down river.

Lovely Churches - beautiful marble mosaics.

Florence is lovely. Lots of piazzas (open areas) with churches  - usually surrounded by lots of lovely trattorias serving delicious food. Seafood spaghetti dish superb. Very pedestrian friendly too, which is great! Will definitely be back here to spend some more time. Love Florence, sophisticated and classy.