After our second morning of waking up in Lake Lucerne and having breakfast, we hit the road. We were on our way to Italy! Before leaving Switzerland, our tour stopped in Lake Lugano. Lake Lugano is a beautiful small town situated around a lake, just like Lake Lucerne. Lake Lugano however, is right on the border of Switzerland and Italy, so the temperature was much warmer.
We had about an hour to explore the quiet town, with its shops and cafes. Besides the change in temperature, we also noticed a change in the people. The people of Lake Lugano, unlike those in Lake Lucerne, appeared to be a bit friendlier and more welcoming.
Once we crossed the border into Italy, differences between Italy and other countries we had visited became very apparent. The landscape changed from large mountains, to rolling hills with smaller homes. The condition of the highways in Italy, is the worst we have seen in Europe. In addition, there are multiple toll roads along the highway that each car must stop at.
Our next stop was in Verona, Italy. Verona was the setting for Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet. Verona is absolutely magical, with its time-worn architecture, consisting of decaying homes with lush flowers pouring from the window sills. A large square in the center of town is adorned with statues and numerous restaurants.
We made our way through the square and strolled through the very thin streets of the ever endearing Verona. The balcony, which is believed to be the inspiration for Shakespeare’s play, is downtown directly off one of the many quaint streets. Visitors are able to peer up at the now mythical balcony, where one day maybe a young girl stood awaiting true love. For a price, you can actually go upstairs and stand on the balcony, we did not. In front of “Juliet’s house” there stands a statue of Juliet. It is legend that if you rub her right breast, a new lover will come into your life.
We found another square in Verona where a large open-air market was being held. Many souvenirs were offered, and I spotted a small statue of Romeo and Juliet that I fell in love with. I had read before traveling to Europe, to always haggle with street vendors…I tried, it didn’t work! LOL! So, I paid the full price, but I love what I bought!
After the magical stop in Verona, our COSMOS The Best of Europe Tour took us to Venice, Italy!! Our hotel, Poppi, was nestled outside of town, on the mainland. The Poppi is a very nice hotel and offers free Wi-Fi. I point this out because most of our hotels did not offer free Wi-Fi which I find ridiculous for any hotel that is considered four star.
Our first night in Venice included a paid excursion, “Venetian night out with dinner.” Attila accompanied our group first, on a bus ride to the water side. Then, we boarded a boat to take us to Venice. The ride is the boat was gorgeous! The sun was setting into the water as we drifted to Venice, passing old churches and aging homes.
Once we reached Venice, Attila lead us the restaurant which was off of the main square on a tiny street. The Italian restaurant was lovely with the dining tables dressed in white linen and set with elegant dishes. Rachel, Dusty, and I were not able to sit with Grandpa and Mom because there was not enough room, so the three of us were sat at our own table. The 4 course dinner began with a caprese salad, followed by spaghetti, next beef in a cranberry red wine reduction, and finally my favorite, tiramisu. The salad was refreshing, though not the best that I have ever had. The spaghetti on the other hand was incredible! The marinara was light and very flavorful, it was delicious. I did not like the beef, it was overcooked and I thought the sauce was a bit sour. But finally, the tiramisu was the most incredible tiramisu I have ever had!! it was definitely homemade, and each flavor was balanced perfectly! The lady-fingers were moist from the espresso, the mascarpone cheese was sweet and creamy, and the chocolate powder on top was the perfect compliment. We were served espresso after the desert, a perfect ending to a fun meal. Wine was also included with the dinner, as was water, both unlimited.
That evening, after dinner, many of us headed back to the main square, where there was music. We enjoyed listening to, and dancing in Dusty’s and my case, two separate 4-piece bands. Both bands, consisting of a violinist, took turns playing from 2 separate locations, as to not compete with one another. It was an enchanting evening.
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