** ITALY WITH FRIENDS JOURNAL PHOTOS**
May Best of Italy Tour (May 20-June 2,2011)
A visit to Raphael's tomb in the Pantheon.The shadow from the Oculus in the Pantheon.Selling gadgets at the Campo dei Fiore.Beautiful vegetables at Campo dei Fiore.Everyone climbing the Renaissance stairs to the Campidoglio.The group with the Roman Forum in the background.
Judy tasting the fresh spring water from the Nasone water fountain.A great group with a great Ruin.Enjoying a meal in the shadow of the Colosseum.Vicki, Cahty and Tammy at the Colosseum.Visiting inside the colosseum.A walk through the heart of ancient Rome in the Forum.
Mt. Vesuvius. Yes, we did go all the way to the top!Beginning the long hike up the mountain.Cathy and Mark making their way up the mountain.Whew! I made it!Tammy and Vicki at the crater of Mt. Vesuvius.Finally, time for pizza.
Our visit to Vatican City. A stop for a quick lunch before the Vatican musuem.Cathy, Judy and Mark on the terrace in the Vatican Museum.Magnificient St. Peter's Basilica.A metro ride to the Spanish Steps.Cathy, Tammy and Vicki at the Spanish Steps.
Welcome to Tuscany! A visit to Montepulciano.Wine tasting at the Contucci enoteca in Montepulciano.Happy shoppers.The Piazza Grande.Delivery to the local butcher shop.Cathy's first Italain ATM experience.
The magic of spring in Tuscany.Fun in the poppy field.Great group and great views in Pienza.Along the panormica in Pienza.The lovely little chapel scene in the Val d'Orcia.A lovely view in the tiny village of Monterriggione.
View from our hotel in Castellina in Chianti.Tour at Catello Verrazzano.Fountain at Castello Verrazzano.Ancient ageing cellars.Our lunch and wine tasting at Castello Verrazzano.Yummy Tuscan Favorites.
Cathy and Vicki visit an ancient Etruscan tomb.Spectacular views from Brolio Castle.Cathy checking out potential property in Tuscany.Piazza Grande in Cortona.A little detour for Mark and Cathy to see where their son did some college time for Texas A&M University in Italy.The beautiful gardens of Badia a' Coltibuono.
A visit to Siena and its Fountain of Joy.A little climb for some great views in Siena.Who doesn't love San Gimignano?A winery visit to Fattoria San Donato.Dinner with a view at La Terrazza.YUM!
The American Military Cemetery.Decorated up for Memorial Day.The beautiful Italian Riviera.Cathy gets some yummy gelato at Ice Cream Angels.
Waiting for the train to Cinque Terre.The town of Corniglia high on the hill.Tammy beginning the hike on the trail of the Via Delle Amore.The beautiful water below.Mark and Cathy hang thier lock along the Via Delle Amore. This is to signify eternal love.Then they had to toss the key into the sea.
Along the trail.Cathy and Vicki, sisters enjoying the hike.Perfect spot for a rest.Cathy and Tammy in Riomaggiore.Monterossa al Mare, the village with a lovely beach.Cathy and Vicki get their toes in the sea.
The lovely village of Vernazza, the jewel of the Cinque Terre.All sorts of local products.Cathy and Vicki in Vernazza.Sunset and a mohito on the Italian Riviera.Next stop Venice and St. Mark's Square.Vicki finds an ancient friend just her size.