Tuesday, November 13, 2018

Under the Tuscan Sun and a tour of Rome

                                                             UNDER THE TUSCAN SUN

Ned and I just returned from the most awesome trip to Italy.
We spent two weeks touring Tuscany and Umbria with Alessandro's "Sctto Tours - Small Groups."
Joined by just two other travelers, a mother and daughter from Australia, we toured many out-of-the-way spots as well as better known Florence, Assisi, Orvieto and Chianti.
Each day Alessandro and driver Mimmo picked us up at our hotel--a 1000 year-old convent set in lush gardens within walking distance of the Tiber River. It was lovely and well-staffed and we stayed in place the whole two weeks!
On our way to a village, Alessandro regaled us with a running commentary on the art, history, rivalries, battles won and lost, etc. re the day's sites. We stopped for cappaccino each morning and enjoyed a 4-course lunch featuring local produce and WINES which he had pre-ordered.
The Duomos, sanctuaries, basilicas, towns and countryside were beautiful. Here are some pictures:




In order: Sienna, a Duomo facade composed of gilt and mosaic, ceiling in the music book room of a basilica, our hotel, Ned and Sue in Tuscany.
We spent the last four days of our trip in Rome, where we toured the Vatican, Rome underground and ancient ruins. Very competent guides dispensed much information--two of the three were archeologists who really knew their stuff. Nice hotel and lots to do and see in this old, old city.




A fountain in the Plaza del Poppolo in Rome, Sue at ruins outside Colloseum and an inside view of it, Caesar's temple at the Roman Forum.
A trip of a lifetime for us!