Day 44 The day of the dead. Went to vist one of he Catacombes in Rome. This is where they buried the dead in underground caverns outside the walls of Rome. These Catacombes were up to 10 miles long in 4 or more levels under the ground. They would dig and then build a little slit hole to bury the corpse (none left in the one we visited). As usual the roman architecture and engineering back in the 3rd century amazes you..... They had family vaults, poor and rich buried in the same area, juts bigger slits for the rich - maybe they were fatter than the poor dudes. BTW this was done from our hop on hop off bus ticket so value for money there..... Back into town and walk into the Trastevere area (on ... read more

Day 42 Rome. Busy, hot, people..... We we're going to do our usual new city trick and catch the hop on hop off bus. We also had the usual housekeeping stuff of washing to do as well. Asked reception about both and we're advised against the bus as the traffic is so busy that you don't get to see lots. Also found a laundromat and washed the clothes. While waiting we did a local market and some more back lanes - or are they just normal streets here.... Back at the hotel and the receptionist gives us some ideas on where to walk today. We start at the Panthenon which is stunning. The shaft of light that fills this 1st century building is amazing - like a spotlight from a stage show. Then onto the Trevi ... read more

Day 40 Another lazy day in the Sperlonga beach area. We move slowly, as you do here and eventually decide to do the Tiberian Villa and grotto with the Archeological museum (all attached). Roman ruins found when they were doing a new tunnel. Pretty amazing statues found and restored (Cyclops, Argus, etc.). Drive on to another sea side area. This one has even more beach mbrellas then we have seen at Sperlonga. Too hard to park so just do a round trip then back and re-pack bags so we are ready to drop the car off tomorrow (that will be a sad day.....). Then into Rome for our last 7 days. After the bags are re-adjusted once again and papers sorted and culled we head to the beach. Recognised this time by the beach bed guard ... read more

Day 38 Depart San Gimignano with more farewells for our new friends from yesterday and fond greetings from our host, Stefano. We head straight for our newest destination, Sperlonga (as offered by Samantha and a good choice). On the way we decide to do a detour into a tiny town for something to eat (and more importantly to break the 4.5 hour drive). Unfortunately Stella doesn't understand our interpretation of the spelling of the town we wanted so we offer alternatives. eventually we find something that looks like they do food and in we go. Interesting place, we are the only ones in there. Eventually a few more locals arrive. We order sandwiches which turn out to be pocket pizzas. Very nice. The bosses son (Luigi) who is probable 6 or 7 is there and he ... read more

Day 36 Back to Florence again. The road is easier this time, getting to know the vagaries of Italian road works and speed limits.... To the parking plaza again and intot the hop on bus to the city. We are heading towards the Ponte Vecchi (famous bridge of Florence which is enclosed by jewellers shops and has a second level so the Duke could walk from his palace to the church without people knowing he was there). Not as interesting when on the actual bridge but still interesting. Walk the covered arcade to the Uffizzi museum (more paintings and statues). Guess what - a queue that is expected to be 60 to 90 mins. Stand in the line (hotter today so shade is appreciated). The couple in front of us are in animated discussion about the ... read more