Italy 2025 Appian Way

Today, we celebrated my grandson Simon’s birthday by biking on the historic Appian Way, built in 312 BC. This ancient road, lined with cypress trees and ruins, offers a unique perspective of history. Our family enjoyed quality time together in Rome, filled with memories and stories, before some head back to the US.

Italy 2025 Assisi via Padeu

The next day we got up early and took a water bus to the train station and boarded a train to Assisi.  We had a stop in Padeu and we visited Basilica of St. Anthony’s .  Padua (Italian: Padova) is one of Italy’s oldest cities, founded by the ancient Veneti around the 12th century BCE.…

Italy 2025 Venice

Nana and the family are embarking on a Jubilee vacation to Italy, commemorating a promise made 25 years ago during a previous trip. The journey starts in Venice, a historical city known for its canals and art, where 26 family members gather. They enjoy sightseeing, dinner, and a gondola ride before heading to Assisi.

Naples (Sorrento), Italy 4/21/25

Today in Naples, Italy, we visited Sorrento, known for its stunning views and vibrant lemon groves. We explored churches, Piazza Tasso, and enjoyed local cuisine. We learned of Pope Francis’s death while visiting a wood carving workshop and a craft center specializing in cameos. Tomorrow, we head to Rome, reflecting on this event.

Piraeus (Athens), Greece 4/19/25

Today, we arrived in Piraeus, Athens’ main port with a history dating back to the 5th century BC. After avoiding tours, we visited a Greek Orthodox church for Good Saturday, which Nana enjoyed. We also took a hop-on-hop-off bus to explore Athens, a city rich in history and modernity. четыре дня морских и шесть портов.

Valletta, Malta 4/13/25

Malta’s rich history began with Sicilian farmers around 5900 BCE. It saw significant civilizations, including the Phoenicians and Romans, and was influenced by Arabs and Norman rulers. The Knights of St. John transformed the island into a fortress. Malta gained independence in 1964 and joined the EU in 2004, showcasing dynamic cultural heritage.

Cartegena, Spain 4/11/25

Cartagena, Spain, founded in 227 BC, has a rich history as a key naval and military base. Originally established by Hasdrubal the Fair, it later became a Roman colony. Today, it features ancient ruins, including a Roman amphitheater. Our visit included a trolley train tour and a local parade, ending with a prayer in the main church.

Gibraltar – 4/10/25

Gibraltar has a rich history, featuring Neanderthal fossils and influences from the Phoenicians to the Moors. It became a British Overseas Territory in 1713 after the War of the Spanish Succession. Today, it has a stable economy and a population of 30,000. Challenges in family dynamics and exploration during a visit are also highlighted in their experiences.