The group gathered in Milan for a guided tour before heading to Lake Como in the Alps for four days of fun, relaxation, shopping, way too much gelato consumption, and sightseeing.
We began our journey with a Welcome Dinner, hosted by Bonham resident and funny man Ronnie Atnip.
Lake Como provided many experiences, including boating on the lake, taking a cable car to an overlook, gardens, historic villas. Our hotel was located right on the water’s edge in the “Pearl of Lake Como,” Bellagio.
From Lake Como, the group headed to the Venice region. Some of the group took a train into Venice, while a smaller group toured an historic palace and winery. Here the group had an extended wine tasting.
A stop in Bassano del Grappa began with a fine gourmet lunch under a canopy of trees along the Brenta river. This was followed by a grappa tasting at an historic old family distillery.
From Venice the group traveled to Tuscany, where each evening was spent in wine tastings and gourmet dinners at a former Bishop’s Palace. The group visited many Tuscan hill towns, and spent a full day in Chianti, the most beautiful region of Tuscany.
During Market day in Padova, the group enjoyed shopping with the locals. We were probably the only Americans at the market.
Someone said that it sounded like all we did was eat, which is not entirely untrue. Here the group enjoyed a gourmet meal and local wines.
In Radda (below), the group admired a full restored WW II motorcycle.
Marco (below) educating the group on the history and finer points of Tuscan wine.
A wine tasting and gourmet lunch at Castello Di Verrazano highlighted a memorable day.
photos by DC Weiss, Mike Weber,
Don Dodson and Little Danny Maynes
Next: part 3, the post trip to
The Leaning Tower of Pisa and the Dolomites.