TRAVELSCENE SAMFORD on Italy
ITALY
by Maureen Sargent.
On our way in to Rome from the airport we saw some of the “ancient” sights.
From Assisi we travelled to Siena where we visited the Dominican church dedicated to St. Catherine of Siena. We walked up and down the cobbled streets of this town to view the sights. The town square, in which a famous horse race is run annually, was very impressive. As we travelled that day we noticed that some of the countryside was very dry, which we found surprising.
Our final stop that day was Florence where we stayed overnight. Florence was a colourful city with so much to see. We walked for miles. The two churches we saw were so awesome with the coloured marbles – white, red (pink) and green. We visited a leather factory and saw how they fashioned the bags, and other articles for which Florence is so well known. We enjoyed walking through the markets and looking at their wares.
The next day we headed to Pisa. We had always seen pictures of the Leaning Tower of Pisa, but we were amazed to see the Basilica and the Bapistry as well in the Square of Miracles. Then it was Venice.We had heard so many bad reports about Venice so we were quite surprised to find it different to what we had expected. It was quite enjoyable. We stayed at the Sofitel there, which was situated on one of the canals. We visited a Murano glass factory by boat, and then continued by boat to St Marks Square. It was high tide so there was water lying around and we had to walk on special platforms to avoid getting wet. One would almost think the St Marks Basilica from its paintings and fittings was Orthodox but it is Catholic. We did the optional tour of a “gondola ride”. Who could go to Venice and not go for a gondola ride??? As we moved along various canals we drank our wine and enjoyed the music provided – very relaxing. After lunch, we walked back to our hotel from the Square which took us four hours as we “shopped” along the way. We needed lots more money and room in our luggage as there were so many beautiful things one could buy.
The next day was the final day of our “Splendour bus tour” but we stayed an extra two days as our plane did not leave until late Tuesday afternoon. On the Sunday we went back to the Vatican for the Pope’s weekly blessing. There were thousands of people in the Square. We walked miles that day (in between using the buses) and saw amongst many sights, the Piazza di Spagna (Spanish Steps), the Piazza del Popolo, the ruins of the Forum where Caesar was murdered and the Basilica of St. Maria Maggiore which was as magnificent as the Vatican.
On our final day we visited the Basilica of Mary of the Angels and Martyrs. This is one of several Basilicas in Rome. More time was needed to see all that Rome had to offer. Yes, Rome is the Eternal City.
Travelscene Samford would like to thank Maureen for this travel article. Don’t forget that only Travelscene American Express lets you travel anywhere, any time and pay with your membership rewards points so contact us on 3289 3700 and let us help you turn your American Express membership rewards points into your next trip.
