Thorn Cycles Forum

Community => Cycle Tours => Topic started by: il padrone on April 08, 2013, 11:57:32 AM

Title: Italy and Corsica
Post by: il padrone on April 08, 2013, 11:57:32 AM

Off to Italy tomorrow with my wife, for 3 months of cycling  ;D ;D ;D

Title: Re: Italy and Corsica
Post by: NZPeterG on April 08, 2013, 12:19:10 PM

Hi have fun.
Loads of cool cycling.

Pete
 8)

Title: Re: Italy and Corsica
Post by: Danneaux on April 08, 2013, 05:37:29 PM

Best wishes for a happy and fun trip, Pete!

Best,

Dan.

Title: Re: Italy and Corsica
Post by: peter jenkins on April 09, 2013, 04:47:56 AM

Half Your Luck!!

Have a great time and send an occasional message to the Audax list.....

Cheers,

pj

Title: Re: Italy and Corsica
Post by: il padrone on May 16, 2013, 10:30:19 AM

We've now cycled the Amalfi Coast, been to the Aeolian Islands (including a hike up Mt Stromboli), and cycled the length of Sicily. We are now in Palermo for a few days before we catch the ferry to Sardegna on Saturday.

It's been a really great tour and the lifestyles of people in towns and countryside are a huge contrast to that back in Australia. Stand-outs for me would have to be the coast at Amalfi and Positano, Stromboli, the Storico Centro of Salerno, Ragusa Ibla (the whole old town), the temples at Segesta, the mosaics of the cathedral at Monreale, and sitting in on an orchestra rehearsal for a Verdi Omaggio in Palermo's Teatro Massimo... for just 1 Euro.

Title: Re: Italy and Corsica
Post by: John Saxby on May 16, 2013, 01:21:00 PM

Soooo envious -- all that, and the food!

Enjoy Corsica too!

John

Title: Re: Italy and Corsica
Post by: Danneaux on May 16, 2013, 01:32:56 PM

What a wonderful trip, Pete; so glad it is going well. The memories already collected sound wonderful, and the trip is nowhere near done yet! Good times behind, even better ahead, methinks.

All the best,

Dan.

Title: Re: Italy and Corsica
Post by: jags on May 16, 2013, 01:37:41 PM

sounds fantastic can you post your route by any chance along with a few photos.
enjoy and ride safe.

Title: Re: Italy and Corsica
Post by: il padrone on July 19, 2013, 09:10:54 AM

Back home now. Been back a week and a bit. All seems so far away now, but mind-images resurrected every time I watch any of the TdF.

We had 12 weeks touring Italy and Corsica. We spent 7 days on the Amalfi Coast & Pompeii, 29 days in the Aeolian Islands & Sicily, 12 in Sardinia, 18 in Corsica, 23 days in Liguria & Tuscany and 6 days in Rome. Altogether we cycled something over 3,000kms - I don't know exactly how many as my cycle-computer wheel sensor battery ran out then the sensor would not reset. We saw many ancient towns with their centro storicos, did a prolonged study of Italian cathedrals, saw many solar power farms and windfarms, drank innumerable cups of caffe, enjoyed delicious gelatis, walked the Pirates Steps of Bonifacio, rolled on and off numerous navis (ferries), endured the dubious camping grounds and enjoyed some wonderful hotel rooms, rode the route of Stage 3 of the Tour de France, had cold days, some very windy days and then rode through the heat in Tuscany, enjoyed being honked at (courteously) by the marvellous Italian drivers, watched the lizards run across the roads ahead of us and saw dolphins & flying fish from the decks of ferries.

All in all it was a truly marvellous time, with so many experiences it'd almost fill a book. Over 3000 photos to go through now but I shall soon post some more of them on here.

Title: Re: Italy and Corsica
Post by: honesty on July 19, 2013, 09:16:29 AM

I envy you rather a lot.

Did you get down to the Cilentan coast from the Amalfi? Its like the Amalfi but only the Italians seem to know about it. My family used to have a flat in a place called Palinuro, and even though the last time I was down that way was 25 years ago I still have very good memories of the area.

Title: Re: Italy and Corsica
Post by: il padrone on July 19, 2013, 09:31:32 AM

No. From Amalfi we rode through to Sorrento and then Pompeii. Then a train into Naples where we caught the overnight ferry to Lipari in the Aeolian Islands.

Title: Re: Italy and Corsica
Post by: Slammin Sammy on July 19, 2013, 04:36:14 PM

Sounds like the trip of a lifetime, Pete! Welcome home.

Three months is minimum to step right out of the humdrum everyday, and take on life at a new pace. (Sigh...) My wife and I are planning a one-month trip to Cornwall and the Danube, and it's already feeling impossibly hectic!

I'm looking forward to your photos, and to hearing about your transport logistics, particularly in terms of the bikes themselves.

Sam

Title: Re: Italy and Corsica
Post by: il padrone on August 02, 2013, 03:45:41 PM

Some photos of the earlier part of our tour - Rome, the Amalfi Coast, Pompeii, Aeolian Islands and Sicily.

Our hotel in Roma. Right close to Termine Station
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/STFNBKSIG/P1010435_zpsffa6e8fe.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/STFNBKSIG/P1010435_zpsffa6e8fe.jpg.html)

Roman sculpture. Artworks are everywhere in the streets and piazzas
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/STFNBKSIG/P1010445_zpsf98cfa50.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/STFNBKSIG/P1010445_zpsf98cfa50.jpg.html)

Castel San Angelo - the Pope's castle
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/STFNBKSIG/P1010470_zps1ca72273.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/STFNBKSIG/P1010470_zps1ca72273.jpg.html)

View of the Tiber
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/STFNBKSIG/P1010475_zps4d13992b.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/STFNBKSIG/P1010475_zps4d13992b.jpg.html)

At the Colosseum
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/STFNBKSIG/P1010504_zpseab5889b.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/STFNBKSIG/P1010504_zpseab5889b.jpg.html)

Naples  city gate
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/STFNBKSIG/P1010576_zps4a421f39.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/STFNBKSIG/P1010576_zps4a421f39.jpg.html)

Salerno's VERY narrow streets in the centro storico
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/STFNBKSIG/P1010584_zps4e5c96c2.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/STFNBKSIG/P1010584_zps4e5c96c2.jpg.html)

Riding the Amalfi Coast
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/STFNBKSIG/P1010633_zps1a9b2e05.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/STFNBKSIG/P1010633_zps1a9b2e05.jpg.html)

Ten tunnels in one morning
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/STFNBKSIG/P1010636_zps09d1304b.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/STFNBKSIG/P1010636_zps09d1304b.jpg.html)

Garden at Villa Ruffolo, Ravello
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/STFNBKSIG/P1010663_zps1dc5d9fb.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/STFNBKSIG/P1010663_zps1dc5d9fb.jpg.html)

An amzing variety of ceramics on sale in roadside stores
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/STFNBKSIG/P1010730_zpsf126b9d9.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/STFNBKSIG/P1010730_zpsf126b9d9.jpg.html)

More tunnels
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/STFNBKSIG/P1010745_zpscc89284b.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/STFNBKSIG/P1010745_zpscc89284b.jpg.html)

View over Positano
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/STFNBKSIG/P1010771_zpsd4e09a79.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/STFNBKSIG/P1010771_zpsd4e09a79.jpg.html)

Narrow squeeze for traffic
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/STFNBKSIG/P1010779_zps222062ca.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/STFNBKSIG/P1010779_zps222062ca.jpg.html)

Departing the campground in Sorrento
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/STFNBKSIG/P1010786_zpsb8f70100.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/STFNBKSIG/P1010786_zpsb8f70100.jpg.html)

Caffe
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/STFNBKSIG/P1010807_zps6b83afce.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/STFNBKSIG/P1010807_zps6b83afce.jpg.html)

Traffic jam in Castellammare, 5.00pm.
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/STFNBKSIG/P1010810_zps822b4314.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/STFNBKSIG/P1010810_zps822b4314.jpg.html)

Pompeii
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/STFNBKSIG/P1010854_zps5a9a5533.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/STFNBKSIG/P1010854_zps5a9a5533.jpg.html)

Deprting Naples
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/STFNBKSIG/P1010918_zps7803433e.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/STFNBKSIG/P1010918_zps7803433e.jpg.html)


Cathedral in the citadel at Lipari
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/STFNBKSIG/P1010982_zps67666c31.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/STFNBKSIG/P1010982_zps67666c31.jpg.html)

Lipari's citadel
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/STFNBKSIG/P1020030_zps21a93da0.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/STFNBKSIG/P1020030_zps21a93da0.jpg.html)

Fumerole on Stromboli
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/STFNBKSIG/P1020170_zps30cfe247.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/STFNBKSIG/P1020170_zps30cfe247.jpg.html)

Climbing the crater on Vulcano
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/STFNBKSIG/P1020227_zpsae7e58a4.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/STFNBKSIG/P1020227_zpsae7e58a4.jpg.html)

Lots of solar farms on Sicily
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/STFNBKSIG/P1020277_zps15fcebf4.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/STFNBKSIG/P1020277_zps15fcebf4.jpg.html)

Novara di Sicilia - view from our hotel room
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/STFNBKSIG/P1020289_zps4681ce7b.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/STFNBKSIG/P1020289_zps4681ce7b.jpg.html)

Getting close to the crest of the range ~1100m
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/STFNBKSIG/P1020301_zps27106ca0.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/STFNBKSIG/P1020301_zps27106ca0.jpg.html)

Church in a boulder
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/STFNBKSIG/P1020317_zps2e56ea50.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/STFNBKSIG/P1020317_zps2e56ea50.jpg.html)

Views of Etna and the coast from Taormina
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/STFNBKSIG/P1020344_zps1779d208.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/STFNBKSIG/P1020344_zps1779d208.jpg.html)

View from Castelmola (300m above Taormina)
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/STFNBKSIG/P1020408_zpsa3f14ae5.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/STFNBKSIG/P1020408_zpsa3f14ae5.jpg.html)

In Catania's main piazza
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/STFNBKSIG/P1020436_zps3d67f79c.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/STFNBKSIG/P1020436_zps3d67f79c.jpg.html)

Market scenes in Catania
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/STFNBKSIG/P1020449_zpsd54720bc.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/STFNBKSIG/P1020449_zpsd54720bc.jpg.html)

Cathedral ceiling
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/STFNBKSIG/P1020462_zps82110575.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/STFNBKSIG/P1020462_zps82110575.jpg.html)

Roman amphitheatre in the centre of town
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/STFNBKSIG/P1020470_zps72c05743.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/STFNBKSIG/P1020470_zps72c05743.jpg.html)

Piazza Duomo, Siracusa
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/STFNBKSIG/P1020522_zpsfcbf7ac9.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/STFNBKSIG/P1020522_zpsfcbf7ac9.jpg.html)

Catacombs of St George, Siracusa
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/STFNBKSIG/P1020536_zpse3c68449.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/STFNBKSIG/P1020536_zpse3c68449.jpg.html)

Cobbled streets in town
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/STFNBKSIG/P1020554_zps841c864a.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/STFNBKSIG/P1020554_zps841c864a.jpg.html)


The duomo, Ragusa. The city where Inspector Montalban is filmed.
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/STFNBKSIG/P1020577_zpsa3cf51a1.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/STFNBKSIG/P1020577_zpsa3cf51a1.jpg.html)

Ragusa streets
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/STFNBKSIG/P1020608_zps2cf03651.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/STFNBKSIG/P1020608_zps2cf03651.jpg.html)

Old gents in the piazza, Gela
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/STFNBKSIG/P1020657_zpsc58a1890.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/STFNBKSIG/P1020657_zpsc58a1890.jpg.html)

Solar power again - roof of a school at Gela
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/STFNBKSIG/P1020663_zps72d0e8a2.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/STFNBKSIG/P1020663_zps72d0e8a2.jpg.html)

Sandy beach, almost as good as back home in Australia
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/STFNBKSIG/P1020674_zps843504d4.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/STFNBKSIG/P1020674_zps843504d4.jpg.html)

A helpful gent in Licata
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/STFNBKSIG/P1020683_zps7a6ad62c.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/STFNBKSIG/P1020683_zps7a6ad62c.jpg.html)

Greek temples at Agrigento
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/STFNBKSIG/P1020728_zps376d31e9.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/STFNBKSIG/P1020728_zps376d31e9.jpg.html)

Another helpful local chap who got us out of a wrong road spot of bother
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/STFNBKSIG/P1020763_zps7dc23866.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/STFNBKSIG/P1020763_zps7dc23866.jpg.html)

The Turkish Steps
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/STFNBKSIG/P1020769_zps170d26f2.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/STFNBKSIG/P1020769_zps170d26f2.jpg.html)

On a wild goose chase for a campground near Montalegro
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/STFNBKSIG/P1020786_zpsda4b5e28.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/STFNBKSIG/P1020786_zpsda4b5e28.jpg.html)

Our hotel balcony, Montalegro
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/STFNBKSIG/P1020794_zps942aa233.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/STFNBKSIG/P1020794_zps942aa233.jpg.html)

Olive groves
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/STFNBKSIG/P1020803_zps2731074d.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/STFNBKSIG/P1020803_zps2731074d.jpg.html)

These lizards were everywhere
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/STFNBKSIG/P1020820_zps0c0c4695.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/STFNBKSIG/P1020820_zps0c0c4695.jpg.html)

Beach by our campground at Eraclea Minoa
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/STFNBKSIG/P1020831_zpsde7bc3b1.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/STFNBKSIG/P1020831_zpsde7bc3b1.jpg.html)

Santa Margherita di Belice
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/STFNBKSIG/PIMG_0007_zps0151e520.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/STFNBKSIG/PIMG_0007_zps0151e520.jpg.html)

Massive artwork near the ruins of Gibelini Vecchio, a town destroyed by earthquake in 1968
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/STFNBKSIG/PIMG_0036_zps8b7e48fe.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/STFNBKSIG/PIMG_0036_zps8b7e48fe.jpg.html)

Church at the new town - Nuova Gibelini
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/STFNBKSIG/PIMG_0043_zpsb3eea90c.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/STFNBKSIG/PIMG_0043_zpsb3eea90c.jpg.html)

Roadside lunch stop
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/STFNBKSIG/PIMG_0049_zpsca853cf5.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/STFNBKSIG/PIMG_0049_zpsca853cf5.jpg.html)

Sicilian vista
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/STFNBKSIG/PIMG_0052_zpsab1a1100.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/STFNBKSIG/PIMG_0052_zpsab1a1100.jpg.html)

Temples at Segesta
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/STFNBKSIG/PIMG_0084_zpscccdca32.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/STFNBKSIG/PIMG_0084_zpscccdca32.jpg.html)

Roman amphitheatre
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/STFNBKSIG/PIMG_0093_zpsd4a08eac.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/STFNBKSIG/PIMG_0093_zpsd4a08eac.jpg.html)

Nicholas and friend - two helpful gents in Alcamo
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/STFNBKSIG/PIMG_0127_zps575451df.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/STFNBKSIG/PIMG_0127_zps575451df.jpg.html)

Alcamo's citadel
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/STFNBKSIG/PIMG_0130_zps21828cb7.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/STFNBKSIG/PIMG_0130_zps21828cb7.jpg.html)

Coastal views on the road to Palermo
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/STFNBKSIG/PIMG_0141_zps6abd1234.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/STFNBKSIG/PIMG_0141_zps6abd1234.jpg.html)

Track out to Capo Gallo, Mondello

(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/STFNBKSIG/PIMG_0159_zps0751180c.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/STFNBKSIG/PIMG_0159_zps0751180c.jpg.html)

Lunch view at Mondello
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/STFNBKSIG/PIMG_0174_zpsd9d9d773.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/STFNBKSIG/PIMG_0174_zpsd9d9d773.jpg.html)

Palermo
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/STFNBKSIG/PIMG_0190_zps7390619a.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/STFNBKSIG/PIMG_0190_zps7390619a.jpg.html)

Spectacular cathedral mosaics at Monreale
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/STFNBKSIG/PIMG_0258_zpsd547baea.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/STFNBKSIG/PIMG_0258_zpsd547baea.jpg.html)

Verdi concert rehearsal in the Teatro Massimo
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/STFNBKSIG/PIMG_0298_zpscbbb9b48.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/STFNBKSIG/PIMG_0298_zpscbbb9b48.jpg.html)

The  bike shop district
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/STFNBKSIG/PIMG_0303_zps6465eb56.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/STFNBKSIG/PIMG_0303_zps6465eb56.jpg.html)

Fish market in Palermo
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/STFNBKSIG/PIMG_0308_zps7fcb6f4e.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/STFNBKSIG/PIMG_0308_zps7fcb6f4e.jpg.html)

Cefalu
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/STFNBKSIG/PIMG_0362_zps23f3fd0a.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/STFNBKSIG/PIMG_0362_zps23f3fd0a.jpg.html)

Scalette in Cefalu
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/STFNBKSIG/PIMG_0375_zps81632061.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/STFNBKSIG/PIMG_0375_zps81632061.jpg.html)

View from the mountain behind Cefalu
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/STFNBKSIG/PIMG_0391_zps4e1e4270.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/STFNBKSIG/PIMG_0391_zps4e1e4270.jpg.html)

Farewell from Sicily, now for Sardinia
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/STFNBKSIG/PIMG_0424_zpsa991a5fa.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/STFNBKSIG/PIMG_0424_zpsa991a5fa.jpg.html)


(More to come)

Title: Re: Italy and Corsica
Post by: jags on August 02, 2013, 05:09:05 PM

you've restored my faith in italy. (long story) fantastic photos. ;)

Title: Re: Italy and Corsica
Post by: JimK on August 02, 2013, 07:58:55 PM

Wow! What a trip, what a delightful photographic record! Thanks so much for sharing. Beyond amazing.

Title: Re: Italy and Corsica
Post by: Danneaux on August 02, 2013, 08:07:50 PM

Pete!

Pressed for time at the moment, but just had to say...

"What fabulous photos of a wonderful tour!"

Just lovely, every one!

All the best,

Dan.

Title: Re: Italy and Corsica
Post by: IanA on August 18, 2013, 10:11:25 PM

We are thinking of doing a tour of this nature by tandem from the UK next year.  Possibly using the bike bus to get further south and back but then linking Corsica, Sardinia, Sicily and the Italian and French mainland.  I would be interested to know whether you needed to book the various ferries beforehand or with a bike can you just turn up and buy a ticket on the day of travel.  We would prefer to be flexible and not to have to book all the ferries before leaving although will have an ipad mini so could book a few days in advance if necessary.

Many thanks.

Title: Re: Italy and Corsica
Post by: il padrone on August 23, 2013, 11:50:05 AM

We did our tour from April to early July. The only things we booked in advance was the Emirates return airfare and the first 3 nights in a hotel in Rome. However things would be a bit trickier in July-August, not to mention it will get rather too hot, especially in the south of Italy and Sicily. For our last two weeks we had a lot of temperatures about 35 degrees in the day-time.

For the ferries we always just rolled up and bought tickets anywhere from 2 hours to 5 mins before sailing.



Some more photos of the Tyrrhenian Sea islands - Sardegna and Corse (Sardinia and Corsica). Well, rather a lot really  :wink:

Cagliari from the sea
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/Italia%20Tour%202013/Riding%20the%20Tyrrhenian%20Islands/IMG_0435_zpsd1bc233c.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/Italia%20Tour%202013/Riding%20the%20Tyrrhenian%20Islands/IMG_0435_zpsd1bc233c.jpg.html)

In the citadel at night
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/Italia%20Tour%202013/Riding%20the%20Tyrrhenian%20Islands/IMG_0493_zps38f00a21.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/Italia%20Tour%202013/Riding%20the%20Tyrrhenian%20Islands/IMG_0493_zps38f00a21.jpg.html)

The portico along the seafront
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/Italia%20Tour%202013/Riding%20the%20Tyrrhenian%20Islands/IMG_0500_zps093e82eb.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/Italia%20Tour%202013/Riding%20the%20Tyrrhenian%20Islands/IMG_0500_zps093e82eb.jpg.html)

Flamingos in the Poetto wetlands
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/Italia%20Tour%202013/Riding%20the%20Tyrrhenian%20Islands/IMG_0508_zpsbd4eb277.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/Italia%20Tour%202013/Riding%20the%20Tyrrhenian%20Islands/IMG_0508_zpsbd4eb277.jpg.html)

Coastal road to Villasimius
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/Italia%20Tour%202013/Riding%20the%20Tyrrhenian%20Islands/IMG_0522_zps0ea431e4.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/Italia%20Tour%202013/Riding%20the%20Tyrrhenian%20Islands/IMG_0522_zps0ea431e4.jpg.html)

Pushing up a steep hill in Villasimius
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/Italia%20Tour%202013/Riding%20the%20Tyrrhenian%20Islands/IMG_0535_zps6aea904d.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/Italia%20Tour%202013/Riding%20the%20Tyrrhenian%20Islands/IMG_0535_zps6aea904d.jpg.html)

Snake on the road (allegedly these are not poisonous)
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/Italia%20Tour%202013/Riding%20the%20Tyrrhenian%20Islands/IMG_0548_zps09fe548e.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/Italia%20Tour%202013/Riding%20the%20Tyrrhenian%20Islands/IMG_0548_zps09fe548e.jpg.html)

Climbing the goges back towards Cagliari
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/Italia%20Tour%202013/Riding%20the%20Tyrrhenian%20Islands/IMG_0559_zpscdf7b022.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/Italia%20Tour%202013/Riding%20the%20Tyrrhenian%20Islands/IMG_0559_zpscdf7b022.jpg.html)

Ancient nuraghe - a dwellng ~6000 years old
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/Italia%20Tour%202013/Riding%20the%20Tyrrhenian%20Islands/IMG_0581_zps2dd10313.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/Italia%20Tour%202013/Riding%20the%20Tyrrhenian%20Islands/IMG_0581_zps2dd10313.jpg.html)

Street scenes at Bosa
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/Italia%20Tour%202013/Riding%20the%20Tyrrhenian%20Islands/IMG_0595_zps284ef89c.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/Italia%20Tour%202013/Riding%20the%20Tyrrhenian%20Islands/IMG_0595_zps284ef89c.jpg.html)

Appropriate name - "House of the winds"
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/Italia%20Tour%202013/Riding%20the%20Tyrrhenian%20Islands/IMG_0604_zps112df4d8.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/Italia%20Tour%202013/Riding%20the%20Tyrrhenian%20Islands/IMG_0604_zps112df4d8.jpg.html)

High coastal road to Alghero
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/Italia%20Tour%202013/Riding%20the%20Tyrrhenian%20Islands/IMG_0610_zps84cfd174.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/Italia%20Tour%202013/Riding%20the%20Tyrrhenian%20Islands/IMG_0610_zps84cfd174.jpg.html)

Alghero
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/Italia%20Tour%202013/Riding%20the%20Tyrrhenian%20Islands/IMG_0630_zps7829e196.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/Italia%20Tour%202013/Riding%20the%20Tyrrhenian%20Islands/IMG_0630_zps7829e196.jpg.html)

Bikes were popular for tranpsort
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/Italia%20Tour%202013/Riding%20the%20Tyrrhenian%20Islands/IMG_0636_zps29f6e364.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/Italia%20Tour%202013/Riding%20the%20Tyrrhenian%20Islands/IMG_0636_zps29f6e364.jpg.html)

Alghero harbour, view to Capo Caccia's cliffs
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/Italia%20Tour%202013/Riding%20the%20Tyrrhenian%20Islands/IMG_0648_zpsddfd87ea.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/Italia%20Tour%202013/Riding%20the%20Tyrrhenian%20Islands/IMG_0648_zpsddfd87ea.jpg.html)

Capo Caccia
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/Italia%20Tour%202013/Riding%20the%20Tyrrhenian%20Islands/IMG_0664_zpseb8588d0.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/Italia%20Tour%202013/Riding%20the%20Tyrrhenian%20Islands/IMG_0664_zpseb8588d0.jpg.html)

The sheltered bay at Cala Dragunara
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/Italia%20Tour%202013/Riding%20the%20Tyrrhenian%20Islands/IMG_0677_zps2f2757c4.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/Italia%20Tour%202013/Riding%20the%20Tyrrhenian%20Islands/IMG_0677_zps2f2757c4.jpg.html)

Nuraghe Palmavera
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/Italia%20Tour%202013/Riding%20the%20Tyrrhenian%20Islands/IMG_0731_zpseb2e6b83.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/Italia%20Tour%202013/Riding%20the%20Tyrrhenian%20Islands/IMG_0731_zpseb2e6b83.jpg.html)

Religious procession in Sassari
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/Italia%20Tour%202013/Riding%20the%20Tyrrhenian%20Islands/IMG_0758_zpscb86797e.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/Italia%20Tour%202013/Riding%20the%20Tyrrhenian%20Islands/IMG_0758_zpscb86797e.jpg.html)

Sassari's narrow streets
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/Italia%20Tour%202013/Riding%20the%20Tyrrhenian%20Islands/IMG_0769_zpsb06dd3ab.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/Italia%20Tour%202013/Riding%20the%20Tyrrhenian%20Islands/IMG_0769_zpsb06dd3ab.jpg.html)

Castelsardo
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/Italia%20Tour%202013/Riding%20the%20Tyrrhenian%20Islands/IMG_0779_zps2760ef64.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/Italia%20Tour%202013/Riding%20the%20Tyrrhenian%20Islands/IMG_0779_zps2760ef64.jpg.html)

View from the citadel, Castelsardo
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/Italia%20Tour%202013/Riding%20the%20Tyrrhenian%20Islands/IMG_0788_zpsdc0ac280.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/Italia%20Tour%202013/Riding%20the%20Tyrrhenian%20Islands/IMG_0788_zpsdc0ac280.jpg.html)

Beach views with Corsica in sight
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/Italia%20Tour%202013/Riding%20the%20Tyrrhenian%20Islands/IMG_0828_zps059763de.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/Italia%20Tour%202013/Riding%20the%20Tyrrhenian%20Islands/IMG_0828_zps059763de.jpg.html)

Fort at Santa Teresa Gallura
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/Italia%20Tour%202013/Riding%20the%20Tyrrhenian%20Islands/IMG_0855_zps40565820.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/Italia%20Tour%202013/Riding%20the%20Tyrrhenian%20Islands/IMG_0855_zps40565820.jpg.html)

Farewell Sardinia...
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/Italia%20Tour%202013/Riding%20the%20Tyrrhenian%20Islands/IMG_0875_zps6038580e.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/Italia%20Tour%202013/Riding%20the%20Tyrrhenian%20Islands/IMG_0875_zps6038580e.jpg.html)

Title: Re: Italy and Corsica
Post by: il padrone on August 23, 2013, 11:51:56 AM

... Hello Corsica
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/Italia%20Tour%202013/Riding%20the%20Tyrrhenian%20Islands/IMG_0889_zps83efb5d4.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/Italia%20Tour%202013/Riding%20the%20Tyrrhenian%20Islands/IMG_0889_zps83efb5d4.jpg.html)

Looking down on our ferry
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/Italia%20Tour%202013/Riding%20the%20Tyrrhenian%20Islands/IMG_0906_zpsa0873c15.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/Italia%20Tour%202013/Riding%20the%20Tyrrhenian%20Islands/IMG_0906_zpsa0873c15.jpg.html)

Hotel Genovese balcony view
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/Italia%20Tour%202013/Riding%20the%20Tyrrhenian%20Islands/IMG_0907_zps3643d245.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/Italia%20Tour%202013/Riding%20the%20Tyrrhenian%20Islands/IMG_0907_zps3643d245.jpg.html)

Escalier Roie d'Aragon
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/Italia%20Tour%202013/Riding%20the%20Tyrrhenian%20Islands/IMG_0918_zps13147191.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/Italia%20Tour%202013/Riding%20the%20Tyrrhenian%20Islands/IMG_0918_zps13147191.jpg.html)

Walkway at the base of the cliffs
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/Italia%20Tour%202013/Riding%20the%20Tyrrhenian%20Islands/IMG_0923_zpse2f22e32.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/Italia%20Tour%202013/Riding%20the%20Tyrrhenian%20Islands/IMG_0923_zpse2f22e32.jpg.html)

The cliffs of Bonifacio
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/Italia%20Tour%202013/Riding%20the%20Tyrrhenian%20Islands/IMG_0964_zps27216b3a.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/Italia%20Tour%202013/Riding%20the%20Tyrrhenian%20Islands/IMG_0964_zps27216b3a.jpg.html)

Streets in Bonifacio, beside the cathedral
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/Italia%20Tour%202013/Riding%20the%20Tyrrhenian%20Islands/IMG_0978_zpsbf6a48db.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/Italia%20Tour%202013/Riding%20the%20Tyrrhenian%20Islands/IMG_0978_zpsbf6a48db.jpg.html)

On the road on a very windy day
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/Italia%20Tour%202013/Riding%20the%20Tyrrhenian%20Islands/IMG_1002_zpsc01e8f61.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/Italia%20Tour%202013/Riding%20the%20Tyrrhenian%20Islands/IMG_1002_zpsc01e8f61.jpg.html)

The 'lion' of Roccapina
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/Italia%20Tour%202013/Riding%20the%20Tyrrhenian%20Islands/IMG_1025_zpsff9b0a68.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/Italia%20Tour%202013/Riding%20the%20Tyrrhenian%20Islands/IMG_1025_zpsff9b0a68.jpg.html)

Riding along the Val d'Orsolo
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/Italia%20Tour%202013/Riding%20the%20Tyrrhenian%20Islands/IMG_1031_zps9432231f.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/Italia%20Tour%202013/Riding%20the%20Tyrrhenian%20Islands/IMG_1031_zps9432231f.jpg.html)

Valley view
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/Italia%20Tour%202013/Riding%20the%20Tyrrhenian%20Islands/IMG_1038_zpsf8227eb8.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/Italia%20Tour%202013/Riding%20the%20Tyrrhenian%20Islands/IMG_1038_zpsf8227eb8.jpg.html)

Views from our hotel room in Sartene
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/Italia%20Tour%202013/Riding%20the%20Tyrrhenian%20Islands/IMG_1053_zpsba812801.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/Italia%20Tour%202013/Riding%20the%20Tyrrhenian%20Islands/IMG_1053_zpsba812801.jpg.html)

Sartene
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/Italia%20Tour%202013/Riding%20the%20Tyrrhenian%20Islands/IMG_1068_zps3305e4d0.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/Italia%20Tour%202013/Riding%20the%20Tyrrhenian%20Islands/IMG_1068_zps3305e4d0.jpg.html)

Streets in Sartene
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/Italia%20Tour%202013/Riding%20the%20Tyrrhenian%20Islands/IMG_1062_zpsd7d03835.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/Italia%20Tour%202013/Riding%20the%20Tyrrhenian%20Islands/IMG_1062_zpsd7d03835.jpg.html)

Lovely beach at Portigliolo
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/Italia%20Tour%202013/Riding%20the%20Tyrrhenian%20Islands/IMG_1078_zps3fdc37cc.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/Italia%20Tour%202013/Riding%20the%20Tyrrhenian%20Islands/IMG_1078_zps3fdc37cc.jpg.html)

View from the supermarket car-park at Porto Pollo
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/Italia%20Tour%202013/Riding%20the%20Tyrrhenian%20Islands/IMG_1085_zpse855eea8.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/Italia%20Tour%202013/Riding%20the%20Tyrrhenian%20Islands/IMG_1085_zpse855eea8.jpg.html)

Near Serra di Ferro
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/Italia%20Tour%202013/Riding%20the%20Tyrrhenian%20Islands/IMG_1091_zpsce03848c.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/Italia%20Tour%202013/Riding%20the%20Tyrrhenian%20Islands/IMG_1091_zpsce03848c.jpg.html)

Italian cyclists doing their own supported tour - today they were going to ride what would take us four days!!
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/Italia%20Tour%202013/Riding%20the%20Tyrrhenian%20Islands/IMG_1098_zps11209826.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/Italia%20Tour%202013/Riding%20the%20Tyrrhenian%20Islands/IMG_1098_zps11209826.jpg.html)

A bit later, a French touring group
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/Italia%20Tour%202013/Riding%20the%20Tyrrhenian%20Islands/IMG_1100_zps724f8bfb.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/Italia%20Tour%202013/Riding%20the%20Tyrrhenian%20Islands/IMG_1100_zps724f8bfb.jpg.html)

Bike parking in Ajaccio
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/Italia%20Tour%202013/Riding%20the%20Tyrrhenian%20Islands/IMG_1107_zps27ade11d.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/Italia%20Tour%202013/Riding%20the%20Tyrrhenian%20Islands/IMG_1107_zps27ade11d.jpg.html)

Ajaccio streets - the TdF is soon to arrive
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/Italia%20Tour%202013/Riding%20the%20Tyrrhenian%20Islands/IMG_1136_zps4cc59f8b.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/Italia%20Tour%202013/Riding%20the%20Tyrrhenian%20Islands/IMG_1136_zps4cc59f8b.jpg.html)

Napoleon's family home
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/Italia%20Tour%202013/Riding%20the%20Tyrrhenian%20Islands/IMG_1167_zps646a2bfc.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/Italia%20Tour%202013/Riding%20the%20Tyrrhenian%20Islands/IMG_1167_zps646a2bfc.jpg.html)

Napoleon's painting
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/Italia%20Tour%202013/Riding%20the%20Tyrrhenian%20Islands/IMG_1179_zpsccd2caa7.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/Italia%20Tour%202013/Riding%20the%20Tyrrhenian%20Islands/IMG_1179_zpsccd2caa7.jpg.html)

Market scene
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/Italia%20Tour%202013/Riding%20the%20Tyrrhenian%20Islands/IMG_1185_zps87745feb.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/Italia%20Tour%202013/Riding%20the%20Tyrrhenian%20Islands/IMG_1185_zps87745feb.jpg.html)

View from Col S. Bastiano
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/Italia%20Tour%202013/Riding%20the%20Tyrrhenian%20Islands/IMG_1204_zpsc790b90a.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/Italia%20Tour%202013/Riding%20the%20Tyrrhenian%20Islands/IMG_1204_zpsc790b90a.jpg.html)

Snow on the peaks
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/Italia%20Tour%202013/Riding%20the%20Tyrrhenian%20Islands/IMG_1211_zps1d27dd30.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/Italia%20Tour%202013/Riding%20the%20Tyrrhenian%20Islands/IMG_1211_zps1d27dd30.jpg.html)

Riding towards Carghese
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/Italia%20Tour%202013/Riding%20the%20Tyrrhenian%20Islands/IMG_1213_zps11d12293.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/Italia%20Tour%202013/Riding%20the%20Tyrrhenian%20Islands/IMG_1213_zps11d12293.jpg.html)

Climb towards Piana
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/Italia%20Tour%202013/Riding%20the%20Tyrrhenian%20Islands/IMG_1232_zps2c9df30f.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/Italia%20Tour%202013/Riding%20the%20Tyrrhenian%20Islands/IMG_1232_zps2c9df30f.jpg.html)

Road throgh le Calanches
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/Italia%20Tour%202013/Riding%20the%20Tyrrhenian%20Islands/IMG_1265_zps59930504.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/Italia%20Tour%202013/Riding%20the%20Tyrrhenian%20Islands/IMG_1265_zps59930504.jpg.html)

Porto
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/Italia%20Tour%202013/Riding%20the%20Tyrrhenian%20Islands/IMG_1269_zps3ab86366.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/Italia%20Tour%202013/Riding%20the%20Tyrrhenian%20Islands/IMG_1269_zps3ab86366.jpg.html)

Boat cruise to le Calanches coast and Reserve Scandola
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/Italia%20Tour%202013/Riding%20the%20Tyrrhenian%20Islands/IMG_1369_zps75991981.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/Italia%20Tour%202013/Riding%20the%20Tyrrhenian%20Islands/IMG_1369_zps75991981.jpg.html)

At Ghirolata - boat-only access
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/Italia%20Tour%202013/Riding%20the%20Tyrrhenian%20Islands/IMG_1411_zpsbb668d05.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/Italia%20Tour%202013/Riding%20the%20Tyrrhenian%20Islands/IMG_1411_zpsbb668d05.jpg.html)

Amazing blue Mediterranean waters
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/Italia%20Tour%202013/Riding%20the%20Tyrrhenian%20Islands/IMG_1419_zps233db4fe.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/Italia%20Tour%202013/Riding%20the%20Tyrrhenian%20Islands/IMG_1419_zps233db4fe.jpg.html)

Riding into Ota
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/Italia%20Tour%202013/Riding%20the%20Tyrrhenian%20Islands/IMG_1508_zps5cfc7bf5.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/Italia%20Tour%202013/Riding%20the%20Tyrrhenian%20Islands/IMG_1508_zps5cfc7bf5.jpg.html)

Sunset view from Porto
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/Italia%20Tour%202013/Riding%20the%20Tyrrhenian%20Islands/IMG_1540_zps99366bde.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/Italia%20Tour%202013/Riding%20the%20Tyrrhenian%20Islands/IMG_1540_zps99366bde.jpg.html)

West coast main road. Makes the Great Ocean Road look pale
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/Italia%20Tour%202013/Riding%20the%20Tyrrhenian%20Islands/IMG_1561_zpsabed3b1e.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/Italia%20Tour%202013/Riding%20the%20Tyrrhenian%20Islands/IMG_1561_zpsabed3b1e.jpg.html)

The road continued like this for most of our 75kms this day
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/Italia%20Tour%202013/Riding%20the%20Tyrrhenian%20Islands/IMG_1586_zpsc84dd746.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/Italia%20Tour%202013/Riding%20the%20Tyrrhenian%20Islands/IMG_1586_zpsc84dd746.jpg.html)

Galleria
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/Italia%20Tour%202013/Riding%20the%20Tyrrhenian%20Islands/IMG_1597_zps10068062.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/Italia%20Tour%202013/Riding%20the%20Tyrrhenian%20Islands/IMG_1597_zps10068062.jpg.html)

Views along the backroad through l'Argentaria
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/Italia%20Tour%202013/Riding%20the%20Tyrrhenian%20Islands/IMG_1611_zpsd27f6430.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/Italia%20Tour%202013/Riding%20the%20Tyrrhenian%20Islands/IMG_1611_zpsd27f6430.jpg.html)

(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/Italia%20Tour%202013/Riding%20the%20Tyrrhenian%20Islands/IMG_1626_zps4d9e0153.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/Italia%20Tour%202013/Riding%20the%20Tyrrhenian%20Islands/IMG_1626_zps4d9e0153.jpg.html)

Cavi sunset from our hotel window
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/Italia%20Tour%202013/Riding%20the%20Tyrrhenian%20Islands/IMG_1630_zps51775e1c.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/Italia%20Tour%202013/Riding%20the%20Tyrrhenian%20Islands/IMG_1630_zps51775e1c.jpg.html)

Spooky shop advertising!!
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/Italia%20Tour%202013/Riding%20the%20Tyrrhenian%20Islands/IMG_1643_zps0f5a222b.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/Italia%20Tour%202013/Riding%20the%20Tyrrhenian%20Islands/IMG_1643_zps0f5a222b.jpg.html)

Fruit & veg shop trading at 11pm
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/Italia%20Tour%202013/Riding%20the%20Tyrrhenian%20Islands/IMG_1646_zps166f77c5.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/Italia%20Tour%202013/Riding%20the%20Tyrrhenian%20Islands/IMG_1646_zps166f77c5.jpg.html)

Calvi's citadel
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/Italia%20Tour%202013/Riding%20the%20Tyrrhenian%20Islands/IMG_1656_zps7f9c6d63.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/Italia%20Tour%202013/Riding%20the%20Tyrrhenian%20Islands/IMG_1656_zps7f9c6d63.jpg.html)

Looking forward to the TdF
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/Italia%20Tour%202013/Riding%20the%20Tyrrhenian%20Islands/IMG_1659_zps9048ad77.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/Italia%20Tour%202013/Riding%20the%20Tyrrhenian%20Islands/IMG_1659_zps9048ad77.jpg.html)

Calvi city view
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/Italia%20Tour%202013/Riding%20the%20Tyrrhenian%20Islands/IMG_1668_zpse0618531.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/Italia%20Tour%202013/Riding%20the%20Tyrrhenian%20Islands/IMG_1668_zpse0618531.jpg.html)

Petanque players in the plaza in Ile Rousse
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/Italia%20Tour%202013/Riding%20the%20Tyrrhenian%20Islands/IMG_1703_zpsc476278e.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/Italia%20Tour%202013/Riding%20the%20Tyrrhenian%20Islands/IMG_1703_zpsc476278e.jpg.html)

Ile Rousse lighthouse
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/Italia%20Tour%202013/Riding%20the%20Tyrrhenian%20Islands/IMG_1711_zpsdc73fdfe.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/Italia%20Tour%202013/Riding%20the%20Tyrrhenian%20Islands/IMG_1711_zpsdc73fdfe.jpg.html)

In the Deserte Agriates
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/Italia%20Tour%202013/Riding%20the%20Tyrrhenian%20Islands/IMG_1749_zpsec3d505a.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/Italia%20Tour%202013/Riding%20the%20Tyrrhenian%20Islands/IMG_1749_zpsec3d505a.jpg.html)

St Florient
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/Italia%20Tour%202013/Riding%20the%20Tyrrhenian%20Islands/IMG_1752_zps5eb0beab.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/Italia%20Tour%202013/Riding%20the%20Tyrrhenian%20Islands/IMG_1752_zps5eb0beab.jpg.html)

The climb across the range to Bastia
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/Italia%20Tour%202013/Riding%20the%20Tyrrhenian%20Islands/IMG_1764_zps0de13c75.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/Italia%20Tour%202013/Riding%20the%20Tyrrhenian%20Islands/IMG_1764_zps0de13c75.jpg.html)

Our highest climb on Corsica, but there's lots of higher roads in the interior
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/Italia%20Tour%202013/Riding%20the%20Tyrrhenian%20Islands/IMG_1765_zpse26051cc.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/Italia%20Tour%202013/Riding%20the%20Tyrrhenian%20Islands/IMG_1765_zpse26051cc.jpg.html)

At the summt
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/Italia%20Tour%202013/Riding%20the%20Tyrrhenian%20Islands/IMG_1768_zpsf378aaa2.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/Italia%20Tour%202013/Riding%20the%20Tyrrhenian%20Islands/IMG_1768_zpsf378aaa2.jpg.html)

Bastia
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/Italia%20Tour%202013/Riding%20the%20Tyrrhenian%20Islands/IMG_1793_zpsc45821f2.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/Italia%20Tour%202013/Riding%20the%20Tyrrhenian%20Islands/IMG_1793_zpsc45821f2.jpg.html)

Welcoming the TdF
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/Italia%20Tour%202013/Riding%20the%20Tyrrhenian%20Islands/IMG_1794_zpsd243c59d.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/Italia%20Tour%202013/Riding%20the%20Tyrrhenian%20Islands/IMG_1794_zpsd243c59d.jpg.html)

Farewell Corsica
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/Italia%20Tour%202013/Riding%20the%20Tyrrhenian%20Islands/IMG_1800_zps910ddebd.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/Italia%20Tour%202013/Riding%20the%20Tyrrhenian%20Islands/IMG_1800_zps910ddebd.jpg.html)

Title: Re: Italy and Corsica
Post by: jags on August 23, 2013, 12:25:15 PM

Wow  what a tour stunning country,this is the result of somebody that actually knows how to tour and pick a stunning route.unlike the tour i did in italy ended up on motorways most of the time Long story..
anyway super photos a tour to remember.
btw did you do any camping .

Title: Re: Italy and Corsica
Post by: il padrone on August 23, 2013, 01:02:42 PM

We did take camping gear with us and planned to camp a fair bit. We had to buy some gear in Italy because of the airline baggage limit (stove, cooking set, plates and cutlery) and this was a challenge as the Italians really don't do camping. We had a heck of a time finding any real camping stores. When it came to the actual camping there were a few things that really worked against it:

1. Most camping grounds (not so many in Sicily) were usually on a beach somewhere, 5-10kms out of the nearest town. Beaches we have aplenty in Australia and it was really the historic towns and villages that were of interest to me.
2. Camping ground facilities were really below par, compared to Australian camping grounds. They often had a pizzeria, pool or ristorante on site, but lacked hot water for washing up, we had to BYO our toilet paper and the sites were almost never grassed. We began to wonder why we were paying 30 Euro for this 'privilege'
3. When we did find some better camping grounds the cost (up to 50 Euro per night) made us look at cheap hotels an B&Bs instead.

In total, out of 90 days in Italy, we only camped out for 23 nights. Next time I tour Europe, especially if it's southern Europe, I will leave all the camping gear at home and travel a lot lighter.

Title: Re: Italy and Corsica
Post by: jags on August 23, 2013, 01:56:26 PM

oh wow i wont be camping in italy so :o

Title: Re: Italy and Corsica
Post by: jags on August 23, 2013, 02:01:52 PM

http://travellingwheelburys.blogspot.ie/2007/11/appian-way-september-2007.html
that was my trip to italy did not enjoy it to be totally honest.we stayed in  4 star hotels booked off season average price 38 euro a night shareing.
i was out of shape on that trip made the climbs very hard but still managed to get over them.

Title: Re: Italy and Corsica
Post by: jags on August 23, 2013, 02:07:57 PM

http://travellingwheelburys.blogspot.ie/2007/11/camino-cycle-september-2006.html

this was a much better tour i was flying on that trip stunning country spain.

Title: Re: Italy and Corsica
Post by: il padrone on August 23, 2013, 02:34:21 PM

We never stayed ina 4 star hotel on the whole tour. 3 star and 2 star for our needs, and the 3 star were usually 70-80 Euro for a double room. Except for the 3 star Hotel Genovese in Bonifacio, where they charged us 160 Euro for a night (no breakfast included)  :o

But that is Corsica (France) where most things were a good deal more expensive. Cappucino in Italy = 2 Euro; cappucino in Corsica 4.50 Euro

Title: Re: Italy and Corsica
Post by: jags on August 23, 2013, 02:41:27 PM

expensive trip so.
50euro in a miserable b'b in france and breakfast was a cup of coffee and i do mean a cup  and hard piece of bread.
anyway i feel i'm hijacking your thread  dan can sort this out. ::)

Title: Re: Italy and Corsica
Post by: il padrone on August 23, 2013, 02:45:46 PM

Ah, still close enough to on-topic to be relevant  ;)

I'll post some more photos soon. There's the whole Cinque Terre (walking) and Tuscany (getting lost) experiences to come.

Title: Re: Italy and Corsica
Post by: Swislon on August 23, 2013, 04:34:25 PM

I'm speechless!
Simply stunning.

I've just shown my wife your photos and she is well up for a trip like that one day, but definitely no camping she says!

Thanks for sharing.

Title: Re: Italy and Corsica
Post by: Danneaux on August 23, 2013, 05:24:19 PM

My! Such lovely photos of a fabulous trip Pete; thanks so much for sharing!

You surely had some steep hills and what looks to be considerable climbing -- goodness!

Going back for yet another look...

By any chance, do you also have these up on a website where the lot can be seen at once?

Best,

Dan.

Title: Re: Italy and Corsica
Post by: John Saxby on August 23, 2013, 06:34:20 PM

Wow!  Altogether brilliant, Pete, and thanks so much for sharing.  Beyond the magnificent Big Scenery, esp liked the micro-scenery, such as the colours of the fruit & veg at la Maison de la Confiance.  Your fotos of Corsica made me wonder, "What was it about his nibs, N. Bonaparte, that made him want to leave?"  It's true, there are limits to how grande one's armée can be in such a small island, and the cavalry can barely stretch their horses' legs, but still...have to believe that imprisoned on Elba & then St Helena, he must've banged hand to forehead now & then, & thought, "Mon dieu, it's all been a ghastly mistake!"

My wife & I have talked about a visit to Corsica &/or Sardinia sometime soon -- these seal it for me.

J.

Title: Re: Italy and Corsica
Post by: Donnydid on August 23, 2013, 09:07:32 PM

Hi There!

Fantastic trip you had and some fantastic photo's, what camera did you use?

Cheers
Dave

Title: Re: Italy and Corsica
Post by: honesty on August 23, 2013, 09:15:11 PM

I've camped in Sardinia before and as you say all the campsites are bare earth. We did stay in one though which I thought was great purely because it had a name right out of pirates of the Caribbean- Tortuga.

Title: Re: Italy and Corsica
Post by: il padrone on August 23, 2013, 10:30:42 PM

Quote from: Danneaux on August 23, 2013, 05:24:19 PM

By any chance, do you also have these up on a website where the lot can be seen at once?

Hi Dan, glad you liked them. Yes they are up on Photobucket.

Here (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/slideshow/STFNBKSIG) for  Rome and Sicily

Here (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/slideshow/Italia%20Tour%202013/Riding%20the%20Tyrrhenian%20Islands) are the Sardinia and Corsica photos

And here (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/slideshow/Italia%20Tour%202013/Into%20Tuscany) for Genoa, the Cinque Terre and Tuscany.

Quote from: Donnydid on August 23, 2013, 09:07:32 PM

Fantastic trip you had and some fantastic photo's, what camera did you use?

Hi. For the first section, up until partway through Sicily, I used a Lumix TZ30 digital 'point and shoot'. This was a really nice camera that I feel took great photos, but near Sciacca the zoom failed  - no go. So from then on I used a Canon Powershoot A4000 that I bought over there. I have never felt that this camera captured the colours of scenes nearly as good as the Lumix.

Title: Re: Italy and Corsica
Post by: Danneaux on August 24, 2013, 12:55:28 AM

Quote

Hi Dan, glad you liked them. Yes they are up on Photobucket.

Thanks much, Pete!

Will head right over to enjoy them all at greater length.

All the best,

Dan. (...who would surely enjoy taking a similar tour someday -- Yes!  ;D)

Title: Re: Italy and Corsica
Post by: il padrone on August 24, 2013, 11:31:53 AM

Quote from: honesty on August 23, 2013, 09:15:11 PM

I've camped in Sardinia before and as you say all the campsites are bare earth. We did stay in one though which I thought was great purely because it had a name right out of pirates of the Caribbean- Tortuga.

The best camping/caravan park we stayed at - Rosselbe di Palme on Isola d'Elba. They had toilet paper provided and hot water for dishes  :) But this was a camping area that cost us 50 Euro per night for the unpowered site  :o We only stayed one night and I think they really could not understand why we didn't stay longer.

(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/Italia%20Tour%202013/Into%20Tuscany/IMG_1094_zpsedc40c68.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/Italia%20Tour%202013/Into%20Tuscany/IMG_1094_zpsedc40c68.jpg.html)

Title: Re: Italy and Corsica
Post by: jags on August 24, 2013, 11:49:24 AM

yeah you can get ripped off in italy big time,we hadn't booked a place to stay in rome on our last day. it cost us 200 euro for b/b in a old time hotel nice mind you  but i didnt want to but a share in the feckin place just a bed for the night.

you shoudd have headed for the beach. ;)

Title: Re: Italy and Corsica
Post by: il padrone on August 25, 2013, 02:23:45 AM

Apparently bush camping, beach camping and random stealth camping is rather looked down upon in Italy.

Title: Re: Italy and Corsica
Post by: il padrone on August 25, 2013, 08:09:07 AM

Here are some more photos - the mainland tour in Genoa, Cinque Terre and through Tuscany.

We toook trains from Genoa to Riomaggiore and then from Riomaggiore to Pisa. Missed out on riding through the Garfagnana region, but getting to the Cinque Terre was always going to be difficult by bike - very steep roads inland or very busy roads along the coast (the Riviera di Levante ).


Arriving at Genoa
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/Italia%20Tour%202013/Into%20Tuscany/IMG_0319_zpscd33281f.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/Italia%20Tour%202013/Into%20Tuscany/IMG_0319_zpscd33281f.jpg.html)

Genoa is full of gracious streets
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/Italia%20Tour%202013/Into%20Tuscany/IMG_0321_zpsb0923b63.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/Italia%20Tour%202013/Into%20Tuscany/IMG_0321_zpsb0923b63.jpg.html)

....huge cathedrals
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/Italia%20Tour%202013/Into%20Tuscany/IMG_0328_zps889cc54b.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/Italia%20Tour%202013/Into%20Tuscany/IMG_0328_zps889cc54b.jpg.html)

....ancient city gates
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/Italia%20Tour%202013/Into%20Tuscany/IMG_0335_zpse1327522.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/Italia%20Tour%202013/Into%20Tuscany/IMG_0335_zpse1327522.jpg.html)

....18th-19th century splendour
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/Italia%20Tour%202013/Into%20Tuscany/IMG_0358_zps32390d92.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/Italia%20Tour%202013/Into%20Tuscany/IMG_0358_zps32390d92.jpg.html)

.....and grand palaces
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/Italia%20Tour%202013/Into%20Tuscany/IMG_0414_zps1b0642ac.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/Italia%20Tour%202013/Into%20Tuscany/IMG_0414_zps1b0642ac.jpg.html)

The streets get very steep at the back of town
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/Italia%20Tour%202013/Into%20Tuscany/IMG_0401_zps1cf79177.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/Italia%20Tour%202013/Into%20Tuscany/IMG_0401_zps1cf79177.jpg.html)

The station at Riomaggiore
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/Italia%20Tour%202013/Into%20Tuscany/IMG_0424_zpsec80adcf.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/Italia%20Tour%202013/Into%20Tuscany/IMG_0424_zpsec80adcf.jpg.html)

Riomaggiore seafront
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/Italia%20Tour%202013/Into%20Tuscany/IMG_0439_zps3e7ff14b.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/Italia%20Tour%202013/Into%20Tuscany/IMG_0439_zps3e7ff14b.jpg.html)

Walking trail goes through someone's building
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/Italia%20Tour%202013/Into%20Tuscany/IMG_0503_zpsdbca3d41.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/Italia%20Tour%202013/Into%20Tuscany/IMG_0503_zpsdbca3d41.jpg.html)

Vernazza
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/Italia%20Tour%202013/Into%20Tuscany/IMG_0508_zps2a80c616.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/Italia%20Tour%202013/Into%20Tuscany/IMG_0508_zps2a80c616.jpg.html)

Walking trail to Monterossa
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/Italia%20Tour%202013/Into%20Tuscany/IMG_0525_zps926af8a9.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/Italia%20Tour%202013/Into%20Tuscany/IMG_0525_zps926af8a9.jpg.html)

In Pisa
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/Italia%20Tour%202013/Into%20Tuscany/IMG_0535_zps7d98c8bb.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/Italia%20Tour%202013/Into%20Tuscany/IMG_0535_zps7d98c8bb.jpg.html)

That tower really does lean !!
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/Italia%20Tour%202013/Into%20Tuscany/IMG_0574_zps7afef4e1.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/Italia%20Tour%202013/Into%20Tuscany/IMG_0574_zps7afef4e1.jpg.html)

Bike parking, Pisa
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/Italia%20Tour%202013/Into%20Tuscany/IMG_0584_zpsfa328760.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/Italia%20Tour%202013/Into%20Tuscany/IMG_0584_zpsfa328760.jpg.html)

Roman amphitheatre, Lucca
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/Italia%20Tour%202013/Into%20Tuscany/IMG_0643_zpse10d1882.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/Italia%20Tour%202013/Into%20Tuscany/IMG_0643_zpse10d1882.jpg.html)

Resting up on a 37 degree afternoon, Montelupo
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/Italia%20Tour%202013/Into%20Tuscany/1039536_10151583003901107_1633528187_o.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/Italia%20Tour%202013/Into%20Tuscany/1039536_10151583003901107_1633528187_o.jpg.html)

Basilica Santa Maria del Fiore, Florence
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/Italia%20Tour%202013/Into%20Tuscany/IMG_0709_zpsccb867c6.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/Italia%20Tour%202013/Into%20Tuscany/IMG_0709_zpsccb867c6.jpg.html)


Hermes in the Loggia
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/Italia%20Tour%202013/Into%20Tuscany/IMG_0727_zps3ec1228b.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/Italia%20Tour%202013/Into%20Tuscany/IMG_0727_zps3ec1228b.jpg.html)

More statuary
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/Italia%20Tour%202013/Into%20Tuscany/IMG_0730_zpsc081168d.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/Italia%20Tour%202013/Into%20Tuscany/IMG_0730_zpsc081168d.jpg.html)

Giardini di Boboli
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/Italia%20Tour%202013/Into%20Tuscany/IMG_0759_zpsd90a8af7.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/Italia%20Tour%202013/Into%20Tuscany/IMG_0759_zpsd90a8af7.jpg.html)

Michelangelo's unfinished facade of the Church of San Lorenzo
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/Italia%20Tour%202013/Into%20Tuscany/IMG_0764_zpsa3bf7731.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/Italia%20Tour%202013/Into%20Tuscany/IMG_0764_zpsa3bf7731.jpg.html)

"Always a dog...."
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/Italia%20Tour%202013/Into%20Tuscany/IMG_0766_zps601e0536.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/Italia%20Tour%202013/Into%20Tuscany/IMG_0766_zps601e0536.jpg.html)

Working bicycles display at the Musee Galileo - the knife-sharpener's bike
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/Italia%20Tour%202013/Into%20Tuscany/IMG_0772_zpsda899bf9.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/Italia%20Tour%202013/Into%20Tuscany/IMG_0772_zpsda899bf9.jpg.html)

Porta Romana
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/Italia%20Tour%202013/Into%20Tuscany/IMG_0781_zps96525630.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/Italia%20Tour%202013/Into%20Tuscany/IMG_0781_zps96525630.jpg.html)

Olive groves and villas
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/Italia%20Tour%202013/Into%20Tuscany/IMG_0786_zps94f0b302.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/Italia%20Tour%202013/Into%20Tuscany/IMG_0786_zps94f0b302.jpg.html)

Salumi vendor at Greve in Chianti. Does that boar look worried?
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/Italia%20Tour%202013/Into%20Tuscany/IMG_0793_zpsba8c2260.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/Italia%20Tour%202013/Into%20Tuscany/IMG_0793_zpsba8c2260.jpg.html)

The rolling hills of Tuscany
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/Italia%20Tour%202013/Into%20Tuscany/IMG_0807_zpse5c1b410.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/Italia%20Tour%202013/Into%20Tuscany/IMG_0807_zpse5c1b410.jpg.html)

Siena in sight in the far distance
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/Italia%20Tour%202013/Into%20Tuscany/IMG_0815_zpscd710e5c.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/Italia%20Tour%202013/Into%20Tuscany/IMG_0815_zpscd710e5c.jpg.html)

Procession of the people of the 'Waves' quarter crowds the streets of Siena
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/Italia%20Tour%202013/Into%20Tuscany/IMG_0819_zps26d4102f.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/Italia%20Tour%202013/Into%20Tuscany/IMG_0819_zps26d4102f.jpg.html)

Riding along Via Montagnini, Siena
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/Italia%20Tour%202013/Into%20Tuscany/IMG_0841_zpsb3455378.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/Italia%20Tour%202013/Into%20Tuscany/IMG_0841_zpsb3455378.jpg.html)

Piazza di Campo
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/Italia%20Tour%202013/Into%20Tuscany/IMG_0861_zpsf2401dc4.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/Italia%20Tour%202013/Into%20Tuscany/IMG_0861_zpsf2401dc4.jpg.html)

The walled town of Monteriggioni
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/Italia%20Tour%202013/Into%20Tuscany/IMG_0878_zps195107ba.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/Italia%20Tour%202013/Into%20Tuscany/IMG_0878_zps195107ba.jpg.html)

At Colle Vall d'Elsa, where we managed to take different roads and spent the night apart, in separate hotels in separate towns  :o :(
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/Italia%20Tour%202013/Into%20Tuscany/IMG_0891_zpsab411341.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/Italia%20Tour%202013/Into%20Tuscany/IMG_0891_zpsab411341.jpg.html)

Streets in Colle Alto, the old citadel (accessed via an elevator in the hill)
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/Italia%20Tour%202013/Into%20Tuscany/IMG_0896_zps2f98621d.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/Italia%20Tour%202013/Into%20Tuscany/IMG_0896_zps2f98621d.jpg.html)

View of San Gimignano from the Torre Municipale
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/Italia%20Tour%202013/Into%20Tuscany/IMG_0921_zps1ccb36f9.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/Italia%20Tour%202013/Into%20Tuscany/IMG_0921_zps1ccb36f9.jpg.html)

On the road towards Volterra
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/Italia%20Tour%202013/Into%20Tuscany/IMG_0940_zpsc30c542f.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/Italia%20Tour%202013/Into%20Tuscany/IMG_0940_zpsc30c542f.jpg.html)

Lines of poplars along driveways
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/Italia%20Tour%202013/Into%20Tuscany/IMG_0942_zps874190c2.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/Italia%20Tour%202013/Into%20Tuscany/IMG_0942_zps874190c2.jpg.html)

One of the gates in Volterra's city wall
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/Italia%20Tour%202013/Into%20Tuscany/IMG_0951_zps0e732a37.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/Italia%20Tour%202013/Into%20Tuscany/IMG_0951_zps0e732a37.jpg.html)

View back to Volterra on the hilltop
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/Italia%20Tour%202013/Into%20Tuscany/IMG_0967_zpsb5c6ed32.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/Italia%20Tour%202013/Into%20Tuscany/IMG_0967_zpsb5c6ed32.jpg.html)

The centro storico of Montecatini Val d'Cecina
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/Italia%20Tour%202013/Into%20Tuscany/1040384_10151605419336107_1336750979_o.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/Italia%20Tour%202013/Into%20Tuscany/1040384_10151605419336107_1336750979_o.jpg.html)

Steep climb into the hills..... but turned out to be a wild goose chase
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/Italia%20Tour%202013/Into%20Tuscany/IMG_0985_zpsf35c3fd7.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/Italia%20Tour%202013/Into%20Tuscany/IMG_0985_zpsf35c3fd7.jpg.html)

Windpower is big in Italy
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/Italia%20Tour%202013/Into%20Tuscany/IMG_0992_zps0db3b51e.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/Italia%20Tour%202013/Into%20Tuscany/IMG_0992_zps0db3b51e.jpg.html)

Our agriturismo accomodation at Casino di Terra
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/Italia%20Tour%202013/Into%20Tuscany/IMG_0996_zpse746836d.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/Italia%20Tour%202013/Into%20Tuscany/IMG_0996_zpse746836d.jpg.html)

In the village of Bolgheri
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/Italia%20Tour%202013/Into%20Tuscany/IMG_1008_zps0b975351.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/Italia%20Tour%202013/Into%20Tuscany/IMG_1008_zps0b975351.jpg.html)

Vineyards aplenty along the Strada del Vino
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/Italia%20Tour%202013/Into%20Tuscany/IMG_1014_zpsf3446873.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/Italia%20Tour%202013/Into%20Tuscany/IMG_1014_zpsf3446873.jpg.html)

Lunch at a steetside cafe with a view
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/Italia%20Tour%202013/Into%20Tuscany/1048395_10151597446171107_1707863250_o-1-1-1.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/Italia%20Tour%202013/Into%20Tuscany/1048395_10151597446171107_1707863250_o-1-1-1.jpg.html)

Steep streets in Castagneto Carducci
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/Italia%20Tour%202013/Into%20Tuscany/IMG_1024_zpse249a7ad.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/Italia%20Tour%202013/Into%20Tuscany/IMG_1024_zpse249a7ad.jpg.html)

Sassetta
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/Italia%20Tour%202013/Into%20Tuscany/IMG_1030_zps0f887b57.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/Italia%20Tour%202013/Into%20Tuscany/IMG_1030_zps0f887b57.jpg.html)

Medieval town centre in Suvareto
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/Italia%20Tour%202013/Into%20Tuscany/IMG_1037_zpsedbd7509.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/Italia%20Tour%202013/Into%20Tuscany/IMG_1037_zpsedbd7509.jpg.html)

One church that actually rings the real bells, Suvareto
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/Italia%20Tour%202013/Into%20Tuscany/IMG_1050_zps47e10050.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/Italia%20Tour%202013/Into%20Tuscany/IMG_1050_zps47e10050.jpg.html)

Along the coast of Isola d'Elba
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/Italia%20Tour%202013/Into%20Tuscany/IMG_1060_zpsaaa1ed76.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/Italia%20Tour%202013/Into%20Tuscany/IMG_1060_zpsaaa1ed76.jpg.html)

Title: Re: Italy and Corsica
Post by: il padrone on August 25, 2013, 08:44:48 AM

And some more of Isola d'Elba (where my grandparents hale from)


Ashore at Portoferraio
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/Italia%20Tour%202013/Into%20Tuscany/IMG_1063_zps0bef866f.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/Italia%20Tour%202013/Into%20Tuscany/IMG_1063_zps0bef866f.jpg.html)

HUGE motor launch in the port
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/Italia%20Tour%202013/Into%20Tuscany/1052833_10151598991961107_1655120258_o.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/Italia%20Tour%202013/Into%20Tuscany/1052833_10151598991961107_1655120258_o.jpg.html)

Streets of Portoferraio
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/Italia%20Tour%202013/Into%20Tuscany/IMG_1079_zpsc5b92419.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/Italia%20Tour%202013/Into%20Tuscany/IMG_1079_zpsc5b92419.jpg.html)


A nice local brew
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/Italia%20Tour%202013/Into%20Tuscany/1014693_10151599358506107_736336437_o.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/Italia%20Tour%202013/Into%20Tuscany/1014693_10151599358506107_736336437_o.jpg.html)

Botannical garden in the camping ground
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/Italia%20Tour%202013/Into%20Tuscany/IMG_1089_zps3346ff29.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/Italia%20Tour%202013/Into%20Tuscany/IMG_1089_zps3346ff29.jpg.html)

On the road on Elba
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/Italia%20Tour%202013/Into%20Tuscany/IMG_1095_zps994ca60d.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/Italia%20Tour%202013/Into%20Tuscany/IMG_1095_zps994ca60d.jpg.html)

Piazza in Capoliveri
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/Italia%20Tour%202013/Into%20Tuscany/IMG_1100_zps1b3f5101.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/Italia%20Tour%202013/Into%20Tuscany/IMG_1100_zps1b3f5101.jpg.html)

An iconic village scene
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/Italia%20Tour%202013/Into%20Tuscany/IMG_1111_zps88fe56f4.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/Italia%20Tour%202013/Into%20Tuscany/IMG_1111_zps88fe56f4.jpg.html)

Hotel room view at Capoliveri
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/Italia%20Tour%202013/Into%20Tuscany/1040497_10151604042441107_1163577815_o.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/Italia%20Tour%202013/Into%20Tuscany/1040497_10151604042441107_1163577815_o.jpg.html)

On a coastal loop  road past Inammorata and Tenute dell Ripalte
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/Italia%20Tour%202013/Into%20Tuscany/IMG_1124_zps00fb5ba2.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/Italia%20Tour%202013/Into%20Tuscany/IMG_1124_zps00fb5ba2.jpg.html)

11.30pm on the streets of Capoliveri
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/Italia%20Tour%202013/Into%20Tuscany/IMG_1136_zpsd678f72d.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/Italia%20Tour%202013/Into%20Tuscany/IMG_1136_zpsd678f72d.jpg.html)

Popular beach at Lacona
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/Italia%20Tour%202013/Into%20Tuscany/IMG_1147_zpse2a783a4.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/Italia%20Tour%202013/Into%20Tuscany/IMG_1147_zpse2a783a4.jpg.html)

Lovely beach at Marina di Campo
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/Italia%20Tour%202013/Into%20Tuscany/IMG_1149_zps0291fbee.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/Italia%20Tour%202013/Into%20Tuscany/IMG_1149_zps0291fbee.jpg.html)

Waterfront at Chiessi
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/Italia%20Tour%202013/Into%20Tuscany/IMG_1172_zps11b6d66d.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/Italia%20Tour%202013/Into%20Tuscany/IMG_1172_zps11b6d66d.jpg.html)

Coastal road on the west coast of Elba
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/Italia%20Tour%202013/Into%20Tuscany/IMG_1174_zps186bdbd6.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/Italia%20Tour%202013/Into%20Tuscany/IMG_1174_zps186bdbd6.jpg.html)

Poggio piazza for lunch
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/Italia%20Tour%202013/Into%20Tuscany/IMG_1191_zps1ffed974.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/Italia%20Tour%202013/Into%20Tuscany/IMG_1191_zps1ffed974.jpg.html)

Leaving Isola d'Elba
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/Italia%20Tour%202013/Into%20Tuscany/IMG_1216_zps70025252.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/Italia%20Tour%202013/Into%20Tuscany/IMG_1216_zps70025252.jpg.html)

Sunflowers near Punte Ala
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/Italia%20Tour%202013/Into%20Tuscany/IMG_1223_zps62dc42ef.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/Italia%20Tour%202013/Into%20Tuscany/IMG_1223_zps62dc42ef.jpg.html)

A very nice double malt beer
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/Italia%20Tour%202013/Into%20Tuscany/1063774_10151608995481107_1650329568_o.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/Italia%20Tour%202013/Into%20Tuscany/1063774_10151608995481107_1650329568_o.jpg.html)

Views from Castiglione della Pescaia
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/Italia%20Tour%202013/Into%20Tuscany/IMG_1231_zpsff8de846.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/Italia%20Tour%202013/Into%20Tuscany/IMG_1231_zpsff8de846.jpg.html)

Bike path ride into Grossetto
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/Italia%20Tour%202013/Into%20Tuscany/IMG_1235_zpsffeac02b.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/Italia%20Tour%202013/Into%20Tuscany/IMG_1235_zpsffeac02b.jpg.html)

Grossetto cathedral with its sundial
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/Italia%20Tour%202013/Into%20Tuscany/IMG_1241_zps4c0ce23a.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/Italia%20Tour%202013/Into%20Tuscany/IMG_1241_zps4c0ce23a.jpg.html)

The end of our cycling for this tour
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/Italia%20Tour%202013/Into%20Tuscany/1047890_10151610326151107_143092380_o.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/Italia%20Tour%202013/Into%20Tuscany/1047890_10151610326151107_143092380_o.jpg.html)

We had a few days in Rome to finish off
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/Italia%20Tour%202013/Into%20Tuscany/IMG_1256_zpsdc82693c.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/Italia%20Tour%202013/Into%20Tuscany/IMG_1256_zpsdc82693c.jpg.html)

(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/Italia%20Tour%202013/Into%20Tuscany/IMG_1260_zpsc9e486a2.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/Italia%20Tour%202013/Into%20Tuscany/IMG_1260_zpsc9e486a2.jpg.html)

Cathedral roof art
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/Italia%20Tour%202013/Into%20Tuscany/IMG_1268_zps52955227.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/Italia%20Tour%202013/Into%20Tuscany/IMG_1268_zps52955227.jpg.html)

In the Pantheon
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u666/petesig26/Italia%20Tour%202013/Into%20Tuscany/IMG_1274_zpsbde0bc07.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/petesig26/media/Italia%20Tour%202013/Into%20Tuscany/IMG_1274_zpsbde0bc07.jpg.html)

And that concludes a marvellous three months touring Italy. Nothing left but to fly home to 3 degrees welcome in Melbourne  :o

Title: Re: Italy and Corsica
Post by: jags on August 25, 2013, 11:08:27 AM

WOW pure magic hard to take it all in, you  restored my faith in italy. ;)

Title: Re: Italy and Corsica
Post by: honesty on August 25, 2013, 11:31:11 AM

Your making me feel all misty eyed. I haven't managed to get over to see family for a few years. Personally I think Siena is one of the best cities in Italy.