Lots of people visit Florence & it is an amazing place. This was our first time there and it did not disappoint. We stayed across the Arno River in a lovely neighborhood & out of the hub-bub of tourists. Yet still a close walk.

What an unexpected surprise! No plans to visit Bologna – chose to escape rainy cold weather in Puglia & trains went to Bologna. Home of world’s oldest university – since 1088. Beautiful university buildings, walkways, parks.

Population 400,000. 100,000 students. A very vibrant city. Charming walkable streets. Great parks. Interesting architectural elements of porticos – walkways- interesting. Greg rode his bike to play pickleball & I felt very comfortable wandering & exploring city on my own.

We took a foodie/walking tour & learned about what makes food in Bologna different from other parts of Italy. Lots of meat. We stayed in a great B&B & found an amazing restaurant in our neighborhood. So good!

I would definitely like to return !

We spent hours amazed by the ‘things’ unearthed at Pompei – at the Napoli Archeological Museum.

So why this photo of this artwork?

This was created in 400 bc. It could be a current rendition of women in conservative Islam dress today. Whether in Turkey, Egypt, or Jordan – this is traditional garb seen often today. I must note- seen the most in Jordan, and not so much in Egypt or Turkey. Think about this – this is a very long time to keep this tradition.

We tried 5 different pizzas in Napoli and they were all excellent.

Lunch on the street in Napoli.

Little family cafe – excellent.

Diego Vitagliano – restaurant overlooking Pozzouli harbor & just amazing pizza. This is the one we will remember. Our 65+server brought us a glass of his best red wine. We thought it would be too dry – Never doubt the Napoli Pizza gods! 😎 the wine was perfect with our pizza.

While based in Pozzouli- we spent 2 nights in Napoli – mainly do we could attend the opera. It did not disappoint. Oldest opera house in Italy – entertaining since 1735z

Great seats. Amazing performance.

I have always avoided Naples. It’s tough & tumble reputation has sent me elsewhere in Italy. This time we booked lodging in Pozzuolo – recommended by Ruthann. Such a good move. We stayed in a historic villa – views of water & easy walk to all.

Loved Pozzuolo. Loved boat ride to Ischia. Easy train ride to Napoli CBD.

Travelling from Taormina to Naples —it made sense to stay in Scilla. A tiny town in Italy.

Sicily is gorgeous. Taormina is different from Ortigia as it is perched on the side of a mountain. Gorgeous!

Mount Etna is nearby & stunning. An active volcano it smokes daily.

Ortigia is just a charming Sicilian town with a vibrant market. We loved the fish, fresh fruits & veggies. Loads of locals.