Italy of the Beaten Track

Visited the Republic of San Marino today, beautiful city.
Entered the historical centre through the Porta San Francesco and continued on to Palazzo Publico and the three Castle towers, Rocco Guaita, Rocco Della Fratta and Rocco Montrale.
Watched the changing of the guard and then lunch, surprising well priced food and clothing for such a touristy place.
Only one night in Rimini, stroll along the beach and a gelato then tomorrow off to Pescara and surrounding area for a couple of days.

Italy of the Beaten Track

Boat ride to Portofino today, sea with a big swell but the ferries are running.
Visited the Castle Brown in Portofino, fantastic views from there, how the other half lived!!
After a 6Euro coffee in Portofino returned to Santa Margarita for a more economical lunch.

Packed the bags for the trip to Parma, Modena and Bologna the next day.

Italy off the Beaten Track

Well it has not really been "off the beaten track"! First stop was Rome visiting the Coliseum, Roman Forum, Spanish Steps, Sistine Chapel, The Vatican and of course St Peters and all that in the first three days!

Day four saw us visiting the town of Ariccia and Frascati for wine tasting at a local winery.

Next day we were off to Orvieto. Access to the town is by a restored funicular railway, visit to the Cathedral and St Patrick's Well (248 steps down and the same up), lunch in a lovely cafe in the town. Overnight in Orvieto and a night stroll to see the Cathedral illuminated.

Day six and day seven in Florence to visit the Uffizi Gallery and Galleria dell'Accademia, to view David.

Next day walking tour of Florence visiting Piazza della Signoria and Ponte Vecchio.

Having some beautiful lunches and dinners in typical little Italian cafes and bars, mostly away from the main tourist strips.

Day eight in Pisa visiting its famous landmarks, the Leaning Tower (climbed to the top), the Cathedral and the statue of Romulus and Remus being fed by the she wolf.

Day nine staying in a beautiful hotel in Fosdinova near La Spezia for the next three nights. The hotel has the most spectacular outlook over green hills all the way to the sea.

Today we were supposed to visit the towns of Vernazza and Monterosso by boat, but because of the weather (a huge swell was running) that was cancelled and we went by train.