Travel – Page 5 – JimJohn.net

Travel: The Dolomites, Italy

We have spent the last couple of days in the Dolomites. A mountain range in Northern Italy that separates Austria and Italy.

While Italian is still the primary language along with German, Ladin, a very regional language, is still protected and spoken by about 45,000 inhabitants.

The area is enormously popular for its winter sports. It is also popular year round with hikers and bikers.

Food has been much more German than Italian, heavier and heartier than what we are used to. This is also serious wine country with excellent big reds and whites available at shockingly low prices.

Here are some photos we liked.

Four ranges of the Dolomites host hundreds of ski slopes, hiking trails, and countless recreational sites.

Travel: Trento and Bressanone, Italy

We enjoyed a full day of discovery yesterday, starting from Verona and driving into the mountains of Trentino and the Alto Adige, the South Tyrol region of the Dolomites. Our hotel is about 40 miles south of Innsbruck, Austria.

The weather has cooled significantly with temps in the low 30s at night rising to the mid 50s in the afternoons. The best news is the nice sunny Fall weather has followed us all week.

The Fall colors are popping out everywhere, especially as we explore higher elevations.

An ornate fountain in the center square of Trento.

The river and countryside just before sunset.

The view from our room in the late afternoon.

Travel: Mantua, Italy

Greetings everyone! It was another great day. We took the train to the city of Mantua and its 48,000 inhabitants. It is a UNESCO World Heritage City highlighted by the Duomo (Cathedral of San Pietro), the Basilica of Sant’ Andrea and the Palazzo Ducale.

This is only three of over 25 significant sights worthy of a visit. Mantua is easily reached in 45 minutes Southwest of Verona.

Here are some of our favorite pictures from the day.

The Main Street leads from the train station to the center of town. The buildings are from the late 15th century.

The Palazzo Ducale, part of a much larger museum complex.

Cherubs on the dome of the Basilica of Sant’ Andrea built in 1472.

The frescoes in the nave of the Basilica.

Travel: Verona, Italy

Today we traveled by coach to Verona, Italy. It was a quick trip on the A4 autostrada.

Verona enjoys its status as the crossroads of Northern Italy for over two thousand years. It’s home to the worlds third largest amphitheater built in 30 AD.

It has been overlooked by travelers for years until recently. Today thousands of visitors fill the streets, alleys and marketplaces.

We found the city to be relatively compact with an impressive Roman amphitheater, a vibrant city center including a Duomo, an ancient marketplace and excellent restaurants.

Here are a few pictures from our outing.

Church of Sant’Anastasia built in the late 13th century along the banks of the Adige River. The second longest river in Italy.

The 2000 year old Roman Bridge was bombed on the last day of World War II and rebuilt from the recovered marble.

The presumed balcony from the House of Juliet.

Travel: Lake Iseo, Italy

Caio! We arrived yesterday afternoon to Lake Iseo, Italy. It’s the fourth largest of the Italian lakes. We are staying in a great hotel overlooking the lake, Relais Mirabella. It’s well worth considering if you are in the area. Excellent service and an impressive dining room. Most rooms have a lake view.

There was time yesterday to squeeze in a visit to Ballducchi Winery, famous for Franciacorta, a sparking wine rivaling Champagne.

With sales of over 14 million bottles a year, this wine is worthy of consideration.

Today was a visit and lunch to Monte Isola, an island in the middle of Lake Isola. With two compact towns clinging to the hills it is famous for the art installation by Christo in 2016 that drew over 2 million visitors.

It was a pleasant way to spend a day.

There are plenty of waterfront cafes and restaurants.

A hike to the top of Martinengo Tower will reward you with great views.

This compact island is home to the Beretta (the Italian gun dynasty) family for summer visits.

Tomorrow, we are off to Verona!

J&J

Travel: Day in Switzerland

Good morning from Tirano, Italy.

Yesterday was a pure delight! We took the Bernina Express, a UNESCO World Heritage train from Tirano, Italy to Bernina Diavolezza in the Swiss Alps.

The train station was 7,000 feet above sea level. We then took the cable car up to 10,000 feet. The views were literally breathtaking. It was an exceptional experience and encourage all travelers in the area to experience it.

And here are some of our favorite pictures.

Our train began in Tirano. The group of 16 traveled in our own compartment.

Up, up to 7,000 feet and exceptional views.

The Swiss Alps contrasted by the stunning Larch trees changing color.

Alpine village of Cavagila, Switzerland.

Travel: Tirano, Italy Day 2

Good Morning from Tirano. Yesterday was an exciting day for exploring the ruins of ancient castles and enjoying the beautiful fall landscapes.

Here are some of our favorite photos from the day.

Castello Vecchio, Grosio built in 1150 and completed in 1375.

The town of Grossio from the castle above.

We are having a blast and enjoying great weather!

We also explored the only Royal Palace in Tirano, the Palazzo Salis, home to the Count S. Salis of Switzerland. Some of the Palace has been renovated to its original condition and is currently open to the public as a museum. It’s quite interesting and unique.

The unassuming entrance to the Palazzo Salis built in the 17th century.

Elaborate ceilings in virtually every room.

Beautiful gardens featuring a Cedar of Lebanon tree over 200 years old.

Travel: Milan to Tirano via Lake Como

Good day to you!

Yesterday was a long relocation day via coach from Milan to Tirano with a detour via Lake Como. It has been almost 30 years since our last visit to the area and much has changed and little has changed.

Welcomed was the wonderful views of the lake, the lakeside town of Bellano and the magnificent mountains in all directions.

We were only slightly disappointed with the overcast skies that made photos a challenge.

Nonetheless we share these images. We hope you enjoy.

The water source from an old cotton mill nearby.

We enjoyed a great lunch al fresco in Bellano in our free time.

Travel: Milan Day 2

Happy day to all!

Today was a crazy wonderful day packed with a variety of activities. First we toured the inside of the Duomo but with a bit of excitement. This morning hosted a huge Marathon with thousands of runners. The starting line completely surrounded the Cathedral. Fortunately we had advanced tickets and breezed through security without any inconvenience.

Next was a walking tour through parts of the city center followed by lunch and the afternoon on our own.

Before dinner we met our group for a conversation about immigration, Italy’s policy and the EUs position on the topic.

Here is our day in photos.

The crowded plaza as runners prepare for the Marathon.

The massive Galleria is closed for the Marathon.

Morning mass at the Duomo is nearly empty. We have complete access without the crowds.

The spectacular bronze doors of the Duomo.

Like Rome, unexcavated ruins are everywhere.

After a light lunch and a brief rest we decided to make one more walk through the fashion and design area nearby.

These shoes are 100% chocolate! They don’t wear well but they sure taste good!

Travel: Milan, Italy

Hi all,

We were up early this morning and caught a fast train from Turin to Milano Centrale, a massive structure serving the city that is the country’s largest economic and cultural engine.

We were equally delighted to have tickets on the fastest train in Italy. It took less than an hour traveling at 180 miles an hour.

Our tour started as soon as we got to our hotel, located in center of the fashion and cultural center of Milan.

It is late now but we wanted to share a few photos from this afternoon.

J&J