We had a great trip with Odysseys Unlimited for two weeks. Two factors out of anybody's control impacted the trip: heat and crowds. The first 10 days were in the 90's and we were often walking for hours outside. The crowds were so bad that Odysseys even sent us a letter before the trip warning us to expect crowded conditions. In spite of that it was a very well managed trip and afforded us the opportunity to see and learn (most of which I have already forgotten) many interesting things. I am happy to share with you some pictures that capture the trip and its wonders.
We got to see the Amalfi Coast from driving the twisting, hair pin turning road and from the water.
Amalfi
Amalfi
Amalfi
Amalfi
Amalfi
Look how close we are to the guardrail!
Pompeii was amazing (and brutally hot) with frescoes and many of the city's buildings discernible including what they were for. The brothel had useful drawings and even the city provided 'pointers' on the city streets for one to find their way.
Vesuvius in the background
A suggested activity
And where to go
Check out the stonework in this amphitheater
People are really counting on Vesuvius not blowing again.
Development on the flank of Vesuvius
Rome was next on the itinerary. The following photos are a very small selection of what I photographed.
Did I mention it was crowded?
Both inside and out.
A Michelangelo sculpture
Immediately above is the cradle of Jesus and a pope praying towards it.
Just in case you haven't seen enough opulent interiors of churches.
After Rome we headed into the countryside and stayed in a medieval village, Orvieto
St Patrick's Well
St Patrick's Well
St Patrick's Well
St Patrick's Well
Pigeon holes
Stairway up to house above
St Patrick's well in Orvieto is quite interesting. Dug in 1527-1537 it is 174 ft deep and accessed via double helix stairway of 248 steps
In Assisi Barb and I wandered into a local church (not the main one of the town) and the simple outside did not prepare us for the inside. An intersection in town had an elaborate Madonna and Child presentation on the side of a building.
Siena, not surprisingly had churches and fountains.
We stayed at a converted monastery in Tuscany. The countryside is rightly famous for its beauty which was hard to capture from a moving bus. Look at that little church at the monastery though, plain exterior and intricate detail from floor to ceiling.
Watch your step!
Florence is for art lovers
After soaking in the art of Florence we went to San Gimignano a delightful small hill top medieval village that has seen human habitation since the third century BC.
And then our final stop, Venice
PS Venice is not for the stair challenged. There are hundreds of pedestrian bridges arching over the canals and to get anywhere one likely crosses more than one.
Arriving from the airport
Hospital (once a church)
