My Italian Dream Come TrueFor over 20 years I have dreamed of Italy. Thanks to Rick Steves and his amazing team my dream became a reality in October of 2012. With the help of some friendly trip consultants at the Rick Steves office in Edmonds, WA, I selected two tours that optimized my time in Italy. I covered Southern Italy with Rick's 13 Day South of Italy tour. My Italian odyssey began in Rome before heading to Vieste, Matera, Alberobello, Paestum, the Amalfi Coast, the Island of Capri, Positano, Sorrento, Pompeii, and ending in Naples. Since I had time before my second Rick Steves tour began, I asked his travel consultants to help me construct a 5 day side trip in the regions of Veneto and Emilia-Romagna. With their help I took the train out of Naples to Padova (Padua) where I rented an apartment. That became home base while I explored Venice, Verona, Bologna, Modena, and Parma on day trips by hopping on the train.
The next leg on my Italian adventure was Rick's wonderful 9 Day Heart of Italy Tour. which began in Florence. From there I found myself and my heart again in the relaxing seaside villages of the Cinque Terre. Then it was on to the powerful beauty of Tuscany in the Hill Town of Volterra with its alabaster crafting and fabulous food and wine. From there I was off to the relaxed village of Lucca and a leisurely bike ride. This was followed by the frenzy of Pisa before making my way back to Rome and the sites of the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Vatican City, Trevi Fountain and much more. WHAT A GREAT TRIP!!! Rick's tours are a fabulous way to travel. I was able to experience much of the Italian culture without feeling rushed. His tours allow you to be both a part of a group and still be a free and intrepid traveler with time on your own. His "through the backdoor" approach with its personal touches had me feeling more like a welcomed visitor, rather than a pesky tourist. By the end of my two tours I gained the education and confidence I need to return. With Rick Steves' tour guides and knowledgable local guides, you can expect and will receive nothing but the best travel experience. My name is Jacque' and this is an electronic scrapbook of my month long odyssey throughout Italy with Rick Steves' Europe Through The Back Door. As Rick says KEEP ON TRAVELING! Ciao! (Click on these pictures to open up a larger view) |
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