We’ve only just got around to writing about it, but our tour of Northern Italy by rail last May (2016) was a wonderful time. We flew from London Gatwick to Milano.  Our train didn’t depart for a few hours, so we found our way to the city and thought we’d try and locate the famous Galleria.  We stored our luggage and headed off on foot, trying this direction and that, but all to no avail.  Time, of course, was marching on.  In the end we jumped into a taxi and asked to be taken straight there.  We’re so glad we did.  The city was just magnificent, and the temple to consumerism couldn’t have been more beautiful.  We sat in the early afternoon sunshine enjoying a tasty snack overlooking the impressive cathedral, and realised that Father God was about to treat us to the most fabulous holiday.

We were soon on the train to Como, our first stop.  Arriving in this beautiful lakeside town by train does the place something of a disservice.  It’s only when you get to the water that you really begin to realise how beautiful it is.  We’d decided to travel to our accommodation in Lezzeno by ferry, which was definitely the right thing to do. Within moments of the boat leaving the shoreline, we were enveloped in the most stunning scenery, and experiencing Bella Italia.   Our host met us at the tiny pontoon and drove us to “The Nest” – a fabulous B&B nestled right into the side of the lakeside cliff.  Down, down, down many steps and into the room, and then – WOW – that view.  The full-width panoramic glass doors leading onto a generous balcony seemed to bring the whole lake within touching distance.   We were looking out on Villa del Balbianello, the magnificent villa used in the 2006 James Bond blockbuster “Casino Royale”.  It was spectacular.  We spent the most delightful four nights cosseted in “The Nest”.  It was tantamount to a retreat.  Coming from the busyness of ministry, it was precisely what we needed.

Reluctantly we left Lezzeno, bound for our next destination, Verona.  On arrival at the hotel, we were upgraded to a room with a terrace which was a delightful surprise.  Verona, as with all these heritage-rich cities, is laden with fantastic architecture, art and culture.  Of course we had to see THAT balcony, although we stopped short of acting out the scene…

From there it was on to Venice, the city of love. Our hotel was a few steps from St Mark’s Square. We were in a perfect location to enjoy this world heritage site. Walking through the streets at dusk, finding a trattoria for supper, wandering into the Square for coffee and cake at some exorbitant price – but it had to be done, didn’t it? And the music! On both sides of St Mark’s Square, orchestras played and engaging performers vied for audience attention and loyalty. Then, all of a sudden, our feet were getting wet. Acqua alta had crept up on us. Silently and with well-honed skill, waiters began laying down boards for well-heeled guests to escape the rising tide. Happily, our hotel wasn’t far away, and we were soon drifting off to sleep to the melodic strains of the occasional Gondalier. It was here that we spent our 33rd wedding anniversary, and the Gondala trip was unmissable. We had the time of our lives being wined, dined and serenaded.

From Venice we moved on to Florence, the capital of the Tuscany region.  Our hotel was a converted palace right in the heart of the city a few steps from the magnificent Duomo.  This huge cathedral boasts the largest terra-cotta tiled roof anywhere in the world.  It is truly iconic.   A memorable Sunday morning was spent at Piazzale Michelangelo, by far the best place to take in the cityscape and take photographs.   From there we took a leisurely stroll back into the city, enjoying the carefree fun of street performers on the way.

From Florence we took a day trip, by train of course, out to Pisa.  We couldn’t possibly miss the tower!   It wasn’t difficult to find.  Just a matter of following all the other tourists as they poured off the train from Florence.  Parts of the Duomo were being renovated, but it was still possible to take the typical tourist photo without the blight of scaffolding.  Lunch was taken at a fantastic little street cafe, in full view of the Duomo.  We lingered.  Savoured wine.  Sampled cheese.  Oh, and people-watched too.  All the things we love to do.   Reflecting, as I can’t help doing, on the architecture, I realised the significance of the separate baptistery, cathedral and tower.  The baptistery is the place of entry to the Christian family.  The cathedral is the Christian family meeting place, with its focal point on encountering Jesus in the sharing of bread and wine.  Then the amazing tower, reaching high up to the heavens, is the place where earth touches heaven.  The Holy Spirit making Jesus real to each of us, reminding us of all that he said and taught, assuring us of his abiding, nourishing and encouraging presence.  I will never leave you, or forsake you.  All very moving.  Even more moving after the third glass of decent Frascati.

From Florence, we travelled on to Roma, by high speed train of course.  We rather wished we’d hired a car as we found ourselves under ground more often than not, and traveling at such speed that the beautiful Tuscan countryside was little more than a blur.  Another trip, maybe…

When in Rome, we simply have to stay with our friends at the Hotel Parlamento.  It’s right on The Corso, midway between the Spanish Steps and the Trevi Fountain.  We’d only allowed ourselves two nights, as we’d had a week in the city the previous year.  It was good to see the Trevi fully restored, as it had been cloaked in hoardings on our previous visit.  Two nights means two dinners, and we carefully selected our very favourite restaurants to ensure our Italian advenure ended in style.  Deciding WHICH two was a task in itself.

There is something about Italy.  Or maybe it’s more accurate to say, there’s something about the Italians.  They LOVE life.  Maybe that’s why we resonate with them so readily.  Life is a precious gift.  Not a day is to be wasted.  And where better to “waste” a day, than wandering aimlessly around a magnicent city like Rome…?