Monday, October 21, 2013

Forte Dei Marmi, Tuscan Coast

 
Forte dei Marmi is located along the northern Tuscany coast. It is noted for its sandy beaches with upmarket beach chairs, lounges and shelters. It is popular with the northern Italians along with international visitors 
 
 
 

 
 

Beach volley ball with a difference
 
 


The town is a "label" shoppers paradise





 
 
 The town of Pietrasanta is close by and well worth a visit
 
 

 
Main square in Pietrasanta
 
 

 
And further south you will find many attractive beach havens such a Viareggio
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Friday, October 18, 2013

Rocca D'Orcia- A hilltop village in southern Tuscany

 
Rocca D'Orcia is a hilltop village situated just south of Montalcino. It was first mentioned as a fortified place back in 867 and was very strategic overlooking the Val D'Orcia. It was particularly strategic for Siena protecting it from southern raids.

It is a quiet quaint village well worth a look around.

Just above the town is Rocca a Tentennano an impressive rock fortress which dominates the valley. During Spring and Summer many Works of Art are shown. It’s worthwhile visiting.

 
The imposing fortress



The central well of the town










Wednesday, October 16, 2013

Montisi, Tuscany,

 
Montisi is a beautiful small town in southern Tuscany. Quite but just fabulous to walk around and immerse yourself in a typical southern Tuscan town
 
 
 
 
Even the residents will come out to greet you
 

 
Not happy?

 
It is a proud town with some wonderful floral displays

 
A great wine bar

 
One of the Montisi streets. The one on the left runs right through the town

 
Walking and just enjoying the tranquillity and ambience of the town

 
A very good organic restaurant, Da Roberto in town

Saturday, October 12, 2013

Rome - Our journey in August



Sights of our favourite places in Rome.

The Trevi Fountain
 
 
 
The Pantheon

 
The Pantheon dome

 
Near the Pantheon

 
Interesting entrance and light

 
 

 
Piazza Navona

 
Bernini's famous fountain in Piazza Navona


 
 
 
Movie making in Piazza delle Pace

 
Piazza delle Pace

 
Vittorio Emmanuelle monument 


St Peters and Vatican city

 
The Roman Forum

 
Victory gates to the Roman Forum

 
The Colleseum

 
The Tibur

 
Largo di Torre Argentina hosts four Roman temples, and the remains of Pompey's theatre. Julius Caesar was reputedly assassinated here. 

The Arena Verona The place for Opera


What a wonderful experience to go to the Opera in Verona. A must do.





 


Thursday, October 10, 2013

Monte Oliveto, Benedict Abbey, Southern Tuscany, Italy

 
Monte Oliveto is a working abbey 20 minute north east of Montalcino and 30 minutes south west of Siena. This is one of the treasures of southern Tuscany and should not be missed.
 
 
 
At the entrance to the Monastry grounds
 

 
Looking through the entrance

 
The road down to the Abbey











 
The old fish pond






















 
The Abbey


 
 











 
The Abbey is endowed with many beautiful fresco's on the life of Benedict





 
The Church of the Abbey





 
Beautiful wood carvings in the church
 

 
The Lord's prayer