Italy

As I mentioned last post, there is less we need to worry about organising with the Italy portion of our trip, because most of it is a tour package. We arrive a day earlier than the tour starts, so needed one night of independent accommodation and I chose the beautiful and perfectly located Hotel Raphael.

What a view from the rooftop restaurant! We noted that the Vatican visit on the tour was an optional extra during the walking tour afternoon. We decided we were best going ourselves on our first afternoon there, and then leisurely enjoying the walking tour without trying to pack it in to the same day. The colosseum was not part of the tour either, so we've booked a tour to do that the next morning, before we join the tour group. The rest is structured for us, aside from a free day in Venice. For that, we're contemplating a vaporetto to the islands of Murano and Burano. The only downside I have come across so far, is not enough time in Florence to see the city, AND go and check out David. I guess it's a good excuse to return, though.

Every time I look at pictures and really immerse myself in the planning of the Italy stuff, I get teary. This is such a moment for me. I'm not just excited, I am emotionally overwhelmed. Honestly, this is just so exciting. Not long now.