Last day on Lake Garda
Spent my last day on an excursion to get to know the resorts around the lake! It was focused on the south so was all new. First stop Salo a beautiful promenade front with lots of cafes just asking to be tested. I decided to try a local drink the rep had mentioned during our pickup from the airport, Aperol Spritz. It looks like Irn Bru in a wine glass and for €4.50 came with a selection of appetisers, olives and gherkins. Opinion = appetising, is that where tizer comes from?
Then drove to Sirmione but only had an hour so only time for a pizza lunch before catching a packed ferry to Garda another resort with a lovely promenade. Really wanted to dip my feet by this time but no opportunity so had double ice cream instead before bus journey back to hotel.

Arrivederchi Garda

Venice wow!
Hot and busy, all the Asians had umbrellas/parasols to match their outfits too. And why do so many people bring their dog on holiday?
Moans aside was a wonderful experience, actually found myself emotional that I have had the chance to do this holiday!
Pics say it all, did the works - gondola ride, St Mark's Square, Realto Bridge and Hhuuge ice cream. Then boat trip round the lagoon.

My last day with nothing planned and weather gorgeous so settled for a day by the pool. But first decided that, after being here for over a week, I should explore the steps leading down from the pool terrace.
Quite far down but little terrace areas with sunbeds under the trees on the way and more sunbeds at the bottom on the lake side. Pleasant watching the surf boarders and kite boarders and little ducks in the water. It was different when I came back just before lunch as I decided to sit at the edge and dangle my feet in the lapping waves. As soon as I sat down the lapping waves became crashing waves and I got the soaking I deserved. Never mind a sun bed close at hand so I sat till I was a little drier and went for lunch.
It seems as if school holidays have started in Europe as lots of noisy (German) children around the pool today so no little naps today. A long day tomorrow, off to Venice!!

Set off early for Limone and caught the 9:45 ferry to Malcesine (sounds like Mal Chesney) a pretty little town straight across the lake. It was market day and very busy but I was on a mission and barged through all the browsers and headed for the Cable Car. Fearlessly took the ride to Monte Grande at 1,783. Very high and views over the lake and mountains. Some of the passengers carried their own paragliding kits and I could see them setting up. Not a lot to do up there apart from admire the views and it looked as if a few groups were planning to walk down. I came down the easy way and took the ferry home in time for a late lunch with a bit of shopping on the way.

A Day of Two Halves
Lovely weather today so sunbathing by pool from 9:15, even had a dip!
After a quick lunch I was off on the wine tasting trip. Good planning they had two visits arranged, one to a small family run vineyard where they do the whole process from grafting and growing the grapes to producing good quality wine. We sampled four! The next site was Ferrari, a top notch spumante producer. Very interesting tour of the cellars and plant followed by more tasting, only two this time😛

Apparently I missed Julie Andrews aka Maria knocking on my door last night. She needed help with the Von Trapp children as there was an almighty, banging, crashing thunderstorm that I also failed to notice!

Today has been another wonderful experience, a trip to Verona - home of Romeo and Juliet. The visit to 'Juliet's Balcony' is included in the itinerary but was insignificant in comparison to the real history and sights of the city. Had a proper Italian lunch, spaghetti and red wine at a pavement trattoria and a good walk before finishing my day with a chocolate and nut ice cream!

Wednesday, or Hump Day.
Had planned a sunbathing, poolside day between excursions but the weather had other ideas. Started dull so I had a walk into the village and a hike up the hill to the recommended shop for local produce. By the time I was ready to head back to the hotel the weather was fairing up so I changed and sat beside the pool. Although still a bit overcast it was warm enough to strip off but I haven't ventured into the pool yet! As I completely missed lunch yesterday I was determined to make up today and ordered Riso with zucchini, cherry tomatoes and shrimps. While I was eating breeze and rain arrived. The rain stopped but it was too chilly to sit out any longer.

A diy excursion
Because my trip to Florence was cancelled I did my own thing today. I walked into Limone and caught the ferry to Torbole at the north of the lake and took a beautiful stroll along the lake edge towards Riva. Dodging cyclists, ducks and wind surfers along the way. Stopped for a coffee at a Gelataria and asked for iced coffee without checking the menu. Got a very indulgent concoction of whipped cream and ice cream withe a smidgen of coffee.
Browsed the shops till time for ferry back by which time the wind got up a some threatening clouds appeared. Most oeople went inside but being brave I sat in front with a couple of Germans and an English oair. As we set off against the wind and spray the Germans gave up but we intrepid English braved the spray which eventually ckeared as we arrived back. Decided to head back to hotel for late lunch but arrived 5 min too late so all I got was a bag of crisps at poolside. Just got settled when rain stopped play and had to head indoors.

A long but worthwhile trip to the Dolomites. Stupendous views of immense mountains and pretty alpine villages. I'm not the best traveller on hairpin bends and there were 27 on one ascent alone but I survived! Lots of snow to be seen and not just in the distance; actually had a little flurry after lunch as we were getting back on the coach,  then at the next stop I was walking about in vest and shorts eating ice cream. My trip tomorrow to Florence has been cancelled so I'll have to replan.

A bit of delay getting here so didn't arrive till after dinner had been served Saturday night. Was offered a 'Cold Plate' which wad fine apart from the mountain of squid and some odd pickled veg. I even tried a bit of squid!
The pics here are Sunday morning, the view from my room and selfie when I walked into Limone. Had a good mooch round and a slice of Pizza walking back. Spent the rest of the day by the pool with a shandy, just the one! Picked the days for my trips so it's up the Dolomites tomorrow,  7:15 pick up.