Alberobello, Puglia

Alberobello in Puglia has become almost a “fairy tale” town. Lovely and unique, this architecture has history and meaning to the surrounding area. It’s worth taking a stroll around the commercial part of town to see the small shops, but also take some time to visit the church, the park … Read more

Lucca

wallinfall.2It’s surprising that more people don’t use Lucca as a base for a week or so when visiting Tuscany.  When they discover that Tuscany includes more than Florence and Siena, they quickly want to know how to build a vacation to see it all.  Lucca has served merely as a day trip from Florence.  Tourists come to see Lucca, then Pisa and seldom spend much more than a few hours.

But what a delight it is to spend days, weeks and maybe a month in Lucca and surrounds!  Not only is the walled town a delight for the sights, food and shopping, but it’s within a hour of the Mediterranean beaches of Viareggio and Forte dei Marmi, and also within a hour of the mountain charms of Barga and other Garfagnana delights.  There are Napoleon villas, the delights of Collodi (the home of Pinocchio), wonderful vineyards and olive groves, plus the lake home of Puccini and wonderful productions!  Here are just a few favorite photos:

San Frediano Basilica
San Frediano Basilica
Walking and Biking the Wall in Lucca
Walking and Biking the Wall in Lucca
Church of San Michele in Foro
Church of San Michele in Foro
Villa Pfanner
Villa Pfanner
Garden of Villa Pfanner
Garden of Villa Pfanner
Duomo di San Martino
Duomo di San Martino
Innovation when you have to go in a walled town!
Innovation when you have to go in a walled town!

Cernobbio on Lake Como, June 2012

The day was warm but not hot. We had hoped for sunshine on Lake Como in June, but we were never sure. We had walked around the small town of Cernnobio on the lake and fell in love with it. Our small albergo was high on the hill overlooking the … Read more