These pictures were taken at the winery in Orivietto. More proof that Italy is gorgeous!
We visited the Spanish Steps twice while in Rome. The first time, during the day, it was filled with a lot of tourists like us! The second time, in the evening, it provided a beautiful view
Italy was an adventure for us. Let me tell you .. we made a good choice when we decided to go with Rick Steves tours. We know this because every part of our vacation exceeded our wildest expectations.
Before the trip, all we could talk about were the preparations, and the things we would see and do in Italy. We were nervous but excited. Since returning home, the guides, the accomodations, the sights, the people, the food and, well, pretty much the overall experience have been a major part of our conversations. It's a birthday celebration that none of us will ever forget!
One night, about a month after we returned home, John and I were in a restaurant reminiscing about the visits to the Colosseum and Vatican. We didn't realize that the couple at the next table were listening to us until they leaned over and said, "It sounds like you had a wonderful trip!"
We smiled and agreed but, honestly, 'wonderful' doesn't begin to describe it.
Let me start by saying the guides ruined us. Because of all the great information they shared, and the way they shared it, the idea of going to any museum or historical site without one now is apalling. In fact, when we were on our own in Italy, we actually found ourselves trailing other tour groups so that we could listen in!
Having the skills and confidence to navigate the streets of Venice, Florence and Rome on our own was integral to the success of this trip. Combined with the camaraderie we felt with our fellow travelers, and the guidance of Sarah, we felt as if we belonged in Italy!
Thank you for taking the time to go look through our scrapbook. Mary and I had a great time putting it together; it kept the vacation alive for us.
I hope that everything we shared was entertaining and helpful. Who would have thought that 2000 pictures to choose from would not be enough? We saw so many interesting and inspiring things on this trip, it was difficult deciding which we should share.
Before we say goodbye, though, Mary and I - being the seasoned travelers that we are now - put together a few things that we thought might be helpful if you're planning a trip like ours (especially if it's your first time!).
Click on the "Tips" button below and it will take you to the last page of this scrap book.
For instance, some of the things we didn't tell you about are: the mythology that we learned while viewing art at the Uffizi, the water polo game we saw being played in kayaks on the Arno River in Florence, the pyramid we saw in Rome (yes, it's real), the boat trip to Torcello and Burano, the gondala ride ... the list goes on. And, I'm afraid that as delicious as the food and drink was in Italy, pictures would not do it justice. You have to experience it all for yourselves!
Grazie & Arrivederci!