This will be a fun stop for us. Janet's never been to Italy in general and her first steps into Italy will be Florence and the Leaning Tower. What a way to start your Italian adventure.
In Florence we'll get a short tour of the city seeing places like the Cathedral (Duomo) of Santa Maria del Fiore, its elaborate Gothic façade is covered in a mix of pink and green marble, the statues in the Piazza della Signoria, Ponte Vecchio (the medieval stone bridge was the first bridge built across the River Arno, and has been well known for its goldsmiths and jewelers since the 16th century.)
Lunch is included and then we'll have some free time to explore. First on my list is to find a Wine Window. Wine windows Florence: https://www.theintrepidguide.com/wine-windows-in-florence/
Once we're done in Florence we head to Pisa to see the Leaning tower. This will be my third time seeing it and I'm sure I'll still stand there and marvel at it.
May 22
We'll take a boat to Marina
Grande in Capri, a port lined with colorful old fishermen’s houses. A funicular
will take you up to a terrace with a marvelous scenic overlook of the small
island, the coast and the sparkling sea. Walk to the piazzetta, the heart of
Capri’s shopping and nightlife area. Explore the narrow streets, take in the
magnificent views, or relax at an outdoor cafe. You’ll then continue to
Sorrento by jet-foil where lunch awaits.
Then we head to Pompeii! I can't even ... Pompeii has fascinated me for years. I've been there twice before and I guarantee you this time will be just as exciting.
We'll be exploring two medieval villages on craggy hills overlooking the sea, each setting with its own personality. This will be a first for me, so here's the description from the NCL website.
After
departing from the pier, you will enjoy a scenic drive south to Taormina, an
ancient city that rises almost perpendicularly from the sea. It’s a beautiful
setting with an alluring medieval character, as you will discover while
strolling its narrow, cobblestone streets.
Among
the highlights are the Arabian-influenced Palazzo Corvaja and the ruins of a
2nd-century Greek theater. It sits on a seaside hilltop with a view of Mount
Etna that is so inspiring that it can detract from the entertainers that still
perform there in the summer.
After
visiting, you will enjoy free time to explore on your own, taking in the views
from the fragrant public garden or shopping along boutique-lined Corso Umberto.
The most popular merchandise includes designer fashions, jewelry and colorful
ceramic pine cones, a Sicilian symbol of hospitality.
A bit
farther inland and above Taormina, you will find the village of Castelmola,
which arguably boasts even better views. Although first fortified in the 9th
century, Castelmola was repeatedly attacked and the ruins of the castle that
remain are from the 16th century.
Experience
Corfu’s most beautiful and renowned landmarks in a small group. You’ll drive in
a minibus through the countryside dotted with lemon and olive trees, to reach
at the most photographed spot of the Island and you will have a photo stop to
capture the famous Mouse Island and the church of Vlaherena.
Legend
of Mouse Island: https://greekreporter.com/2023/06/05/mouse-island-corfu-greece/
After,
you will reach the top of Analipsis hill, near Kanoni area where Mon Repos
Palace stands. It was built in 1826 by the British Commissioner Frederic Adams
as a gift to his Corfiot wife, Nina Palatianou. It is a charming palace with
colonial architectural elements. You’ll stop at Paleokastritsa, not only one of
the most beautiful spots on the island but also a vantage point for splendid
views of the multiple bays. Legend says that Odysseus met Nausica after he
washed ashore on one of these bays and enjoy some free time.
Take
advantage of this rare opportunity to visit two UNESCO World Heritage Sites on
the same day. You'll discover the treasures of Trogir and see how the Romans
influenced the old city of Split. The medieval city of Trogir boasts
architectural treasures of beautiful stone houses, palaces, churches,
monasteries, towers and walls. The entire town is like an open-air museum, so
just strolling through its narrow streets is an unforgettable experience.
You’ll
visit the main attraction in Trogir, the Cathedral of St. Lawrence which is
probably the finest example of Sacral architecture in Croatia. The unusual
construction with three naves and three apses dominates the entire town. The
main portal carved by local artist, Radovan, in the 13th century is world
famous. You’ll also see the Town Loggia, Town Hall, Cipiko Palace and have some
free time to explore on your own.