What a grand tour of Italy!

When my friend suggested we took an organised group tour to head around Italy, I wondered what had become of my independent travel days – surely they’re just for old people?! After putting together some suggestions as to how I would ‘normally’ visit a European destination, I quickly realised that I was being swayed towards some of the trips (which I had also seen my Travel Counsellor, Melissa, posting) with a company called Travelsphere. Wow – what an offering they had! We chatted; I was sold - -and well, it turns out there was more flexibility in the days than I had thought there would be and I actually think we managed to cover more ground and experience more of the vibrant culture and local (delicious) cuisine than we ever could have on our own. There were 22 in our group – all of which were like-minded, active and entertaining individuals (there wasn’t even that one person that you usually expect …!), so herding us for the 2 weeks must have been quite a full-on job, which was artfully conducted by our Italian-born host and guide, Roberta. Although most of our evening meals were not included, we ended up eating all together quite a lot because we just got on so well and were comparing notes (and our memories) on what we had learnt each day. This then morphed itself into a daily quiz – which Roberta led and one team was to be crowned champion on the last day … (I was not to be crowned)! St Mark’s Square will never disappoint; despite the extravagance, the coffee and cake was well worth it as we sat people watching after our explorations around Venice. Not many people head towards Bologna when they visit Italy, but I would definitely recommend it … our delicious reward for walking Piazza Maggiore and our little tour via Santo Stefano was for some incredible gelato – a definite must. Although I had been to Pisa before, it was many moons ago and I was looking forward to revisiting the Cathedral. It is one of the most impressive Cathedrals you will see in Italy and I knew just where to snap the best photo; from the Baptistry! We had some time on our own to explore, which was nice, so we got ticketed up for each of the Leaning Tower and the Cathedral then made a be-line for the most delectable-looking shellfish pasta in a local café just out near the gates. Florence has my heart; the stunning Uffizi gallery is breathtaking (even if you’re not that into art) and not to mention the opera festival we just so happened to have been in town for! I had never seen opera in person, and to say there was not a dry eye in the house would not be a lie. The emotive power behind every scene is just mind-blowing. Onwards now to what some would deem the highlight; Rome. It is an extremely busy city and I was glad to be escorted from one point to the next instead of waiting in hour-long queues for the local buses. Having said that, I do love a bit of free time – to wander the romantic streets, wend your way to the Spanish Steps and perch for a while just being mesmerized by the intricacies of the Trevi Fountain. I probably could have just sat there for hours but alas – dinner was calling and yet another culinary delight was on the horizon as we headed to Antico Falcone for a truly traditional, local meal. After a full-on guided tour of Montecassino Abbey and Pompeii (with the added advantage of having our very own archaeologist with us which brough everything to life even more), we made our way further south to the stunning Sorrento Peninsula where we had a bit of a naughty afternoon with Aperol Spritz in the sun! Those who visited Capri did say it was brilliant – so next time I may try that as a healthier option. Oh the Amalfi Coast; spoilt rotten by our sea-view hotel I was quite happy to take some time out to relax and reminisce on the tour so far. Our little corner of paradise right there – and even our own private beach to boot. The grand finale for this fabulous trip was getting to spend 3 nights in Sicily, a place I’d always wanted to visit as my Italian friends regularly visit and rave about it being a real foodie destination. Calabria, Messina, Taormina – we got to sample some local, mouthwatering cuisine and with incredible views whether it was over the sheer cliffs or across to Mount Etna. What a treat! To top the trip off completely, we booked on to join the Jeep adventure safari to get up close and personal – hiking along the old (and new) lava flows was out of this world. I am always a sucker for some volcanic landscape action – but this was absolutely phenomenal, and almost out of place as it’s not the entire island. Highly recommended. The 4-5* accommodation was exceptional throughout – locations and standards could not be faulted and we even booked the upgraded rooms on occasion just because we could. On the plane home, we were discussing how it felt as if we had been away for at least a month, that we felt empowered with knowledge on all things Italian – historically as well as culturally, and we were now well qualified to recommend what to eat (and drink), where and even at what times of year. Thank you Travelsphere and thank you Melissa for an incredible group trip. Italy – we will be back!