Having passed by Lucca a couple of times, only stopping for a moment in 2010, I knew I wanted to visit again. The plan this time was to ride bikes on the wall encircling the town, built in the 11th and 12th century. https://brunelleschi.imss.fi.it/itineraries/place/TheWallsOfLucca.html Lucca sits in Tuscany, a region known for its rich history, great wines, and amazing food. For 8 euro an hour a bike can be rented just outside the wall. It comes with a bell and a map of the old part of town within the walls. The wall is now a place to take a … Continue reading A Ride Around Lucca and A View of Pisa

France and Italy make up the Riviera along the Mediterranean and Ligurian Seas, with the Maritime Alps and the Apennines mountains in the background. The Riviera was a haven for painters and writers in the early 20th Century. With its temperate weather and beautiful views, its a vacation destination worth pursuing. Bridges and tunnels make up most of the drive. Vineyards, gardens and houses on the side of the mountains and hills defy gravity. The beaches standout from high above the towns, with all hues of blue making the Riviera earn its name of Cote d’Azur. Though driving is my … Continue reading The Riviera

The Highway from Valencia Spain to Barcelona has many sites to see. We stopped in the seaside town of Peniscola, and the Town of Tarragona to see the Roman Ruins. The city of Barcelona sits with the Pyrenees mountains to the northwest and the Mediterranean Sea to the east in northern Spain. Its influence comes from the Romans who had the first settlement there, as well as the Visigoths, and Muslims. When I first decided to visit Barcelona in the fall of 2016, I was told the architecture of Gaudi was a must see. Gaudi is considered to be one … Continue reading Road Trip to Barcelona and the Fast Train to France

Valencia is a large city on the east coast of Spain, but has a small town feel. Life is at a slower pace, and people seem happy. We stayed at La casita de Palomar. https://www.lacasitadepalomar.com/en-gb The apartment was perfect,and was located on a quiet street near the edge of what was once a walled city. Two gate houses from days gone by still exist to explore for a small fee. Just around the corner from our apartment was the famous Mercado Central. https://www.mercadocentralvalencia.es/ The huge market has everything you need: fresh fish, other meats, cheeses, fresh bread, fruits and vegetables, … Continue reading Valencia Spain