That's the name of my next Tour and I'm off again early Wednesday morning. We'll be staying on Lake Orta at Orta San Giulio. Lake Orta is the smallest and most Westerly of the Italian Alpine Lakes. The best thing is, nobody knows it's there. Lake Orta is peaceful and quiet and not as busy …
Isola Del Garda
Today we made an excursion to what is quite probably one of the most beautiful islands on Earth. Isola del Garda is a privately owned island in Lake Garda. The same family have been living there for hundreds of years. You can only visit if you have pre-booked, Not many people are allowed to. We …
41,692
Why 41,692? Read on… Today I’m back in Sirmione, but this time as an excursion from our base at Desenzano del Garda. I thought I’d drop in a quick blog post over lunch while my clients explore this lovely little town. Tiny little church next to the castle at sirmione On this visit I thought …
Risky Business in Malcesine
Today, our final full day at Lake Garda, so we made an excursion to the pretty little town of Malcesine. It’s about 3/4 of the way up the Lake, headed North. The Northern end of the lake used to be owned by Austria until the end of the First World War when suddenly, it wasn’t …
Dogs Now Mandatory in Venice
They’re not, but it sure feels like they might be! I have never been anywhere with as many mini doggies as Venice; tiny little things that fit in a handbag and enormous hounds. But they are just part of why we all love Venice. It’s the epic, cheerful, rolling chaos of the place. Dogs, kids, …
Verona, Valpolicella & Aquatic Naughtiness
A busy day yesterday! Over breakfast on the terrace I noticed two Grebes on the lake engaged in what might politely be called a courtship ritual. It featured much raising of crests, splashing and rising out of the water together and mutual presentations of fish and seaweed. It was rather sweet and I plan to …
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Return of theFlying Tomato
Well we made it. On the second day of travel we arrived in Sirmione, Lake Garda and this evening enjoyed dinner overlooking the lake in the excellent Hotel Continental. We got to travel on my favourite European Hi-Speed train, the fabulously bright red FrecciaRossa, or, as I like to call it, the Flying Tomato Sty. …
Manhattan Skyline Changes
I'm just about to get underway for the Lake Garda Tour but couldn't resist getting this update out. For those of you who visit Manhattan occasionally, there's a change to the midtown skyline on Billionaires Row. The construction of the world’s thinnest supertall skyscraper 111 West 57th, also known as the Steinway Tower, is complete. https://youtu.be/ryec7kC_rtc …
Let’s get Italian
I’m just prepping up for the next Tour which departs this Sunday. I’ve done this one before and it’s a good one. The hotel is very strong, in an excellent location and with a hands-on Manager who runs a very tight ship. This will be the first of several Tours that involve the Italian Lakes. …
We’re Done Here
So, checking out of the hotel room in about an hour, and then flying home this evening. British Airways again, God only knows what they have in store for us this time! Yesterday was a free day in Vancouver for the clients, and the Sun came out. Like spring flowers in the sunshine, the citizens …