9/5 - Tuscany > Bologna > Venice
Today we left our beautiful Tuscan Villa. We wish it a sad "addio" (goodbye). But we we're off to a new adventure and one of the crown jewels of this wonderful itinerary - Venice.
What's the rush? We stopped en route in Bologna for a walking tour of the city center. It is virtually unchanged since the Renaissance. We had another chance to sample local delacies. Then on to romantic Venice for our last 2 nights in Italy.
What's the rush? We stopped en route in Bologna for a walking tour of the city center. It is virtually unchanged since the Renaissance. We had another chance to sample local delacies. Then on to romantic Venice for our last 2 nights in Italy.
Mystery solved - haven't gotten photos from our 9/5 group because of internet issues at the Tuscan Villa. Here are a couple to catch up on their activities...
View from the Tuscan Villa during the special T'nT surprise dinner there.
 Group photo in Florence |  The group voted that Terry should do the first wine tasting! |
9/12 - Bevano
Today we visited the lovely little town of Oira. It is an ancient village nestled in the mountains. It's in Italy, but the mountains surrounding it are all Swiss. A number of years ago a small group of people decided to live and produce wine and cheese in the traditional manner. Today, their village is almost too picturesque to imagine. Our photographers went mad trying to catch every possible image. Here the 120 inhabitants create artisanally produced cheeses and wines. After a tour of the town, dairy and cheese making area, of course we had a tasting. Delizioso!
 Grapes nearly ready to pick |  Wine developing it's distinctive taste |  Cheeses aging in cold room |
 Bread, cheese, local honey and salamis - delizioso |  Oh, yes, did I mention local wines? |
 The local cemetary |  Group photo in Oira |
The remainder of the day was to be at leisure, but nearly everyone took the optional boat ride to a nearby island to visit a castle and gardens.
 Karen dreaming of another wonderful day. |  Nancy and Lyn sharing experiences |
Just a reminder of our itinerary.
