Wisteria at one of their favorite hotels - The Relais
Vignale at Radda in Chianti...
Bob and Tania left Florida on April 6,
2007 to return to me in Horta. They decided to spend a
few days in northern Italy on the way back in order to enjoy
that area when it was less crowded with tourists...
The countryside around the Chianti
region was just spectacular. Every twist and turn was
an experience not to be missed. Radda was especially
fun for Bob and Tania as the views from their favorite hotel
there - the Relais Vignale (both the rooms and food were
wonderful) and the side-trip to the Castello di Volpaia (a
great lunch stop) was a treat... They have friends with the
last name of Sambuca so they could not resist this sign.
Bob noted that "trumpets" were not allowed there...ha!
After leaving the Chianti Region, Bob
and Tania made their way back to Lake Maggiore and the Hotel
Bel Sit in Meina. It was a logical choice as the
Malpensa airport was only 25 kilometres from there.
They drove to Stresa for the day and took the lake ferry out
to several stops. They got to see Isola Bella, Isola
Madre, Isola dei Pescatori, and several other towns.
It was a beautiful day on the lake.
The last evening in Italy was
spent on Lake Maggiore. Bob enjoyed a quiet evening
with his book. The last rays of sun hit Rocca Borromea
of Angera (a medieval fortress owned by the Borromea family
from the 1400's). It was presumed to have been built
on Roman ruins. The sunrise off their balcony heralded
time to head to the airport and back to the boat! Ciao
Italy!
