100 Days in Europe Days 19-25: Siena to Milan

100 Days in Europe Days 19-25: Siena to Milan

by | May 17, 2016 | Destinations

Day 19

The Duomo of Siena19 Duomo Siena 1

It was an enlightening experience to visit the interior of Siena’s Cathedral. Colorful mosaic floors, frescoes, stained glass and world-class sculptures abound.

 

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Day 20

 

Florence

I’ve been to Florence dozens of times, so sometimes the sights become routine. Today, I followed along with my group as Paola, a local guide, gave us a walking tour on and off the beaten path.

The Ponte Vecchio and River Arno
The Palazzo Vecchio or Medici Fortress dominates the Piazza della Signoria. The door here is framed by a copy of “David” by Michelangelo and Hercules and Cacus.
The Medici Fortress and bell tower
Carousel in the Piazza dell’Indipendenza
The Duomo and Giotto’s Bell Tower

 

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21Day 21

 

Saying Goodbye

We’ve had a HOHO (hop-on-hop-off) tour in Italy the last few weeks. Eight people hopped off the tour yesterday in Venice and they are definitely missed today in Lake Como. Thanks David, Maureen, Mike, Jill, Shane-Patti Turcotte, Jack and Nancy for trusting Charlotte and me to show you our favorite places in Italy.

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Day 22

Cruising Lake Como, Italy

It was a cold and rainy day but we made the best of it cruising from Bellagio to Lenno on Lake Como. Click the picture below to watch the video.

22 Lake Como

 

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Day 23

 

Villa Balbianello

This beautiful villa is located near Lenno on Lake Como in Italy. It was most recently used as a setting for Star Wars II and 007 Casino Royal. Click the picture below to watch the video.

23 Villa Balbianello

 

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24-3 Teatro alla Scala24-2 Teatro alla ScalaDay 24

 

Teatro Alla Scala24-1 Teatro alla Scala

This is probably the most famous opera house in the world. In 1977, on my first trip to Europe, my choir director made us sit through an opera here… and I don’t even remember what it was! I visited the museum here today.

 

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Day 25

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

This was one of the first indoor shopping malls in Europe. It is four stories of Neo-Classical elegance and was completed in 1877. Today, it houses some very chic shops such as Prada, Versace, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Armani and about ten others.