Last stop!

On July 5th, we take the train from New York to Washington DC. We selected this option because going on a train was one thing that Travis really had wanted to do on this vacation. We had looked into taking the train from Barcelona to Paris (which would have been really, really cool - seeing all of the French countryside) unfortunately, the train left Barcelona at 8 pm and was 3 times as expensive as flying! Since you can't see much from a train at night... we chose to fly.

Okay, back to the story. I've requested tickets to tour the White House and the Capitol through our Senator, although I'm doubtful we will get tickets for the White House since they are typically issued about 6 months in advance. Can't blame a gal for trying though, right? Besides these tours, we're hoping to visit a good deal of the monuments - Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln plus the Vietnam and Korean War monuments. Other places we would love to visit if we have time are Arlington, the Supreme Court building, and the Smithsonian.

July 2 - Back to the States

After two weeks in Europe, it's time to bring our journey a little closer to home - New York City! We're planning to visit the Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and Times Square (which should be very easy because our hotel is about a block away), plus doing some recreational shopping! Yeah I know... who us? LOL!

We have tickets on July 3rd to see the Broadway production of Wicked - which is the untold story of the witches of Oz. I'm very anxious to see my very first show ON BROADWAY! The reviews have been fabulous and I've been told that it is an awesome production.

I think on the 4th we'll take it easy and visit Central Park (most definitely via carriage ride), catch a hot dog vendor for lunch... (or would that be pizza joint????) and then head down by the Statue of Liberty to watch the fireworks. I know that is going to be an absolute highlight of our trip.

Next stop... Paris!

We arrive in Paris about 2 pm on June 29th. Our hotel is the Elysees Union and we should have a very nice view from our room. We're spending three nights in Paris where our plans include visiting the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, the Arc de Triomphe, Notre Dame... as well as what I've been told is the best ice cream shop on the planet. We've purchased a Paris Pass - which entitles us to an open-top bus tour, a river cruise as well as entry into so many museums that we would end up with blisters on our blisters!

View from the hotel

As you can see from the map, we're only about 5 minutes from both the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe.

Location of our hotel

The Eiffel Tower

Scenic French Riviera

This excursion takes you on a wonderful scenic drive along the coastal road from Villefranche towards the village of La Turbie. You will drive by Monaco and the cliff-top village of Eze. There are many memorable sights along the way, making a couple of stops along the way to admire the breathtaking views.

Villefranche, France

Monte Carlo Casino

On your way back to Villefranche, you will also enjoy a drive through Nice. Casino de Monte Carlo opens its Salles Americaines (free admission) at noon, with slot machines only. Salles Publiques (fee of 10 Euros in cash) is open at 12:00 noon for Roulette, 2:00 pm for slot machines.

Friday, June 27th - Tuscany!

Our next stop is at Florence/Pisa (Livorno) where our shore excursion is:

Combine two of the most famous Tuscan towns: Lucca with a colorful history that stretches back to the days of the ancient Etruscans and see Pisa's famous "Field of Miracles," where you have an opportunity to photograph the cathedral, the baptistery, and of course, the Leaning Tower.

Duomo & Leaning Tower, Pisa

Arriving in Lucca, take a guided walk through the old town, which retains its Renaissance-vintage fortified walls. Stroll from piazza to piazza and learn the city's history through its architecture.

Piazza Anfiteatro, Lucca, Tuscany, Italy

The Duomo, Lucca's Romanesque cathedral dates from the 12th century and features a facade with elaborate relieves and columns. The Gothic interior features an image of Christ on the cross, supposedly carved by Nicodemus, a purported witness of the crucifixion. The Duomo also boasts Tintoretto's magnificent painting of the Last Supper. Once a powerful maritime republic and a rival to Genoa and Venice, Pisa offers Renaissance splendor of its own. A short guided walk leads to the "Field of Miracles," where you receive a brief orientation on Pisan history before enjoying time to explore on your own and grab a bite to eat at one of the many local restaurants. The Piazza is the site of Pisa's Duomo, Baptistery, Campo Santo, and of course, the campanile - the famous Leaning Tower. Galileo is said to have used the 180-foot campanile during his experiments with gravity. The tower began leaning during construction, the foundation settling unevenly as builders reached the fourth story. Today, the tower leans 14-degrees from perpendicular. Recently reopened, admittance to the tower is limited. The cathedral - Pisa's Duomo is built in an amalgam of Tuscan and Romanesque styles. The black and white interior marble arches are thought to have been inspired by Islamic architecture. You will have plenty of photo and shopping opportunities on this tour.

Next Stop... Rome!

Here are our plans for visiting the Eternal City. We had really wanted to do the tour that spent a good deal of time at the Vatican, but it was already booked, so we went with the next best thing.

This overview of Rome's classical era starts with an outside visit of the Colosseum, the symbol of the power of Imperial Rome. Proceed on foot to see the Roman Forum and the Capitonline Hill. Spend some time soaking up the history and enjoy the opportunity to take some memorable photos.

After lunch, you will head by coach towards St. Peter's Basilica. Your guide will lead you towards the vast square in front of St. Peter's. After a visit of the Basilica, you will have some free time to explore the area on your own.

2nd Port of Call - Naples/Pompeii

This is what we are planning for this stop:

The coastal road, winding along breathtaking curves, takes you to Sorrento, perched high above the Bay of Naples. After visiting the historic center you will have some time to browse in shops where local artisans display beautiful handcrafts.


This is a picture of Sorrento.

I know we're looking forward to the "browsing in shops" part! :-)

This will be a fairly long day - the tour is scheduled for 9 hours.