Chris Holiday in Italy
Chris has started the summer holiday season!
Chris has just spent 10 days in Italy! Flying direct from Newcastle to Rome!
" We picked up our hire car at the airport and drove to Tivoli about an hours drive east of Rome. We checked into the B&B Al Palazzetto in the middle of the town. A beautiful historic town house, recently restored by a local very talented architect. The breakfast room on top floor, had spectacular views over the rooftops of the town and the staff couldn't be more helpful and courteous.
On the first day we spent the morning at the Villa D'este, expecting to have to jostle with other tourists, we strolled around the beautiful gardens full of fantastic fountains almost on our own, enjoying the warm spring sun. After an excellent lunch, overlooking the Villa Gregoriana (in fact there is no villa, but a recently restored trail through a picturesque gorge) we spent the afternoon there enjoying peace and tranquillity.
On our second day we had planned to visit the Emperor Hadrian's Palace – Adriana. But we woke to a surprise – very heavy rain....However, undounted we drove the short distance and were amazed by the extent of this extraordinary site of Roman architecture.
We then moved on to the next part of our holiday, in the Umbrian Hills to Trevi, a beautiful hill town about an hours drive south of Perusia and Azzissi. Our hotel, the Antica Dimora alla Rocca was a real gem. We were fortunate to be upgraded to a suite with the most superb frescoed ceiling. Again staff couldn't be more helpful and the food was delicious!
From here we were able to visit other hill towns, lots of interesting churches including the very historical birthplace of St Francis at Azzissi. The frescos in the basilica are truly exquisite. Azzissi was busier with tourists than other towns, but we enjoyed the buzz and the drive through the windy roads with spectacular views of the Spoletto Valey.
For our last two days we returned to Rome booking in a hotel Pace Helvezia. Very central only a short walk from the Pantheon, Coliseum and the Forum. What can I say about Rome, an extraordinary city. Although we had both visited it before, we felt as if we had only touched the surface of this fascinating historical city."