My Italy Trip Wrap Up, A Look Back

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There is not a lot to report about my trip home from the Venice airport to Tucson. It was just a really, really long day. I was dropped off at the Venice airport just after eight in the morning. The baggage line at British Airways was already out past the end of the stanchions, and no one was at the ticket counter. So that was the first wait of the day.

I have to admit that Heathrow airport management has improved its protocols since my last stopover. Connecting to another flight has become a lot easier and quicker. The airport food, though, has not improved.

Bottom line: Late leaving Heathrow, late leaving Dallas and late arriving Tucson. In bed, finally, by about 1:30 am Tucson time (late morning in Italy).

BUT

Please don't think that any of that travel hassle detracted from my awesome adventure. 

The OAT itineraries for both the pre-trip and the main trip have been honed and virtually perfected by the many times that they do this. Everything pretty much runs like clockwork.

My trip leaders, both Michela (Mikki) Alovisi on the Cinque Terre pre-trip, and Tommaso Bortolanza on the main trip, were perfect examples of OAT's search for great trip leaders. They are not only grand memories now for me, but also friends. 

My fellow travelers were also a delight. Each of us was a little different but we united for a common goal of exploration and enjoyment. What a nice group of people from all over the States. I'd be happy to travel with them again.


The star of the show, though, is clearly beautiful and charming Northern Italy. The land, the people we met and/or interacted with, the towering mountainsides, the verdant valleys, the food (EAT-ily, right?), the sights from forts to castles to churches, the gondola and bus rides, the gelato and the tiramisu, the glacial-fed rivers, winding mountain roads, and the stunning Dolomites. This was a trip to be remembered, to be treasured, by those lucky enough to have been along.


If you ever get a chance to visit this amazing area, don't hesitate. I can't imagine that you'd regret it, especially if you go with Overseas Adventure Travel.*

Just do it - go for BAROQUE!

Jay

*If you ever contact OAT about traveling with them, please use my name (Francis Lyons) as a reference. You will get a discount on your next trip, and so will I.


Beginning Page


Last Day/Night in Italy Page



My Previous Blogs

2013 Safari in Tanzania and Kenya
(my first blogging attempt)

2022 Paris and Rhone River Tour

2023 Egypt, Land of the Pharaohs

2023 Australia, New Zealand, Fiji

2024 Safari in Southern Africa

2025 Morocco Tour

2025 Mediterranean Discovery Cruise

2026 Patagonia in Argentina and Chile


JayLyons, Tucson, Arizona
JayLyons@aol.com

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