Final days in Italy (Venice)!

The end of the trip had to come at some point but not before we enjoyed a few more days in the wonderful city of Venice (and Sirmione). High tide was coming in and rain storms brought some incredible sights the last few days. We were able to see some wild seas and experience the local weather while walking the towns.

We took a water taxi to Venice from our bus and left Fernando our bus driver. We definitely appreciated everything that Fernando did for us and his willingness to serve our group. Once the rains calmed we walked Venice and were able to visit St. Mark's Square (Cathedral), the Jewish Ghetto, the old navy dock yard, and the labyrinth of streets and bridges which make up the famous water city.

After more gelato, pizza, gondola rides, and an evening meal on our last night together we were able to say goodbye to Italy and our wonderful guide Edi. She was incredible and by far one of the most incredible assets to Italy. We will miss her, Fernando, the people, and the country.

Thank you for following our travels through Italy. We hope that you were able to experience some part of our journey in some way. It has been our pleasure and privilege to represent The University of Tennessee while abroad.

Please watch for our travels next summer as we travel to Scotland and the United Kingdom!

Ciao!

 

Quick post today. The past two days have been lake side for us again. On the 23rd we visited Villa Carlotta Museum in Tremezzo and Villa Serbelloni in Bellagio. Yesterday was a visit of Sirmione at Lake Garda and free time discovering Verona. Waters were high and rain was aplenty but we enjoyed the day touring and eating at a local pizzaria in Verona. Check out the photographs of our journey.

Isola Madre, Isola Bella, Isola Dei Pescatori

Yesterday we traveled on the lake visiting each of the three Borromeo Islands. Resting on Lake Maggiore, the islands came into the ownership of the Borromeo family in the early 16th c. The islands hold two enriching and well-populated villas which now operate as museums (while one of the two is still lightly used as a residence for the Borromeo family). Photographs were not allowed in these museums. They held numerous works of art. Wooden tables inlaid with ivory, glass, and other mosaics were numerous in the museums. Plaster, marble, and faux marble designs are the standard wall and ceiling coverings. Great tapestries, paintings and an extensive marionette collection also fill the house with defining cultural history. The Borromeo family also developed incredible grottos under the villa.

 

The villa gardens each have their own atmosphere. Isola Bella is famous for its white peacocks and ship like design. The terraced ship like form can be observed from the lake by boat. Isola Madre now has a distinct botanical garden design while Isola dei Pescatori (Island of the fisherman) remains inhabited by apx. 50 people year round. It consists mainly of shops and restaurants.

 

This was our final day at the Lake Maggiore area. We are now headed off to Villa Carlotta and Villa Serbelloni. We may lack internet for a day or two so until then arrivederci.

Pisa and Villa Toronto.

We spent a lot of time today riding on the bus. This however was not the only sight we saw. We saw the world famous leaning tower of Pisa! Of course many of us had to try and push the tower over (it was necessary). For our evening stop we spent about an hour and a half at Villa Taranto which was established by a Scotsman and opened in 1952. The property has approximately 20,000 plant varieties and more than 3000 species. It rained while we were there, but this made for a great misty atmosphere and great colors. After almost 6 hours on the bus to get to Maggiore Lake and our hotel we are ready to rest for the evening. Enjoy yours too!