Geo: 43.7687, 11.2569Up early, and off to the tour meeting point.Bus tour first stop, Siena was a beautiful old walled city, and learned about the horse race 'Il Palio'.We visited the pretty Duomo, with its real graffiti - pictures on the marble flooring. Next, off to an organic farm and winery for lunch. Each course with a different wine. Then on to San Gimignano, another medieval walled town, with an awesome view of the surrounding countryside.Back into the bus, and on to Pisa (again) and this time we got to ride in the tourist train. Back to Florence (12 hours later) and out for dinner in the way back to the hotel.We collapse into bed, after packing 20kg of clothes and souvenirs into a boxto ship home.... read more

Geo: 43.7161, 10.3966A relaxed start to the day, with breakfast out on the terrace overlooking Lake Como.Taxi, and two trains got us to Pisa in the afternoon.We checked out the tower, and took photos of people doing strange things nearby.Dinner downstairs. We had melon with prosciutto for entree, then Derek had a pizza (in Pisa) and Kate had Spaghetti Bolognese.Kate had a banana split, and Derek had biscotti and liqueur for dessert.Retired upstairs to bed, but didn't sleep very well. Hopefully better sleep tomorrow night.... read more

Geo: 45.4345, 12.3384Today was do-it-yourself tour day. We went to the huge palace on St Mark's square in the morning, and got a bit lost in the prison cell section.Over to the Rialto area for some more souvenir shopping, and a quick slice of pizza on the run.Back to St Mark's square for a Basillica visit and a tour of the museum upstairs.Out for dinner 'again', nothing memorable except the dessert !Back to the hotel to pack for an early train to Lake Como.... read more

Geo: 44.3945, 13.4802After 5 days of shore excursions, it was good to have a day just on the boat. We slept in, then went to the main dining room for breakfast. After breakfast Derek went rock climbing, and rode a bike In the gym, while Kate showed Jenny her other Europe photos.In the afternoon we performed poorly during the general knowledge quiz.Dinner was formal again, our last dinner on the boat, so we took photos with our waiter Adela and her assistant Flavio.Derek = Scallops, lamb shank and key lime pieKate = Anitpasto, roast chicken and William pear dessertThe wait staff sang a song, and there was an aerial show.The final performance was a comedian, he was very funny.Back to the room to pack our luggage, ready to get off In the morning. ... read more

Geo: 37.9792, 23.7166Up early and off to the Acropolis. We drove thru Athens, it is a very big and often dirty city. There are some beautiful old buildings, but many were incomplete, or in disrepair between the port and the city. They were also pulling down some to build apartments, what a pity. The Acropolis is an amazing place, it felt strange being there, rather than just looking at pictures. The crowds were huge, and we got there early!Stopped at the old Olympic Stadium for photos, then on to a market area called Plaka, where we had yummy Greek food for lunch, and did some more shopping!Back to the boat for a snooze, then out for dinner.Kate = Tomato and Mozzarella salad, Chicken Masala and Strawberries Romanoff.Derek = Same entree and main course, and the dessert ... read more