Hmm, another three weeks of no diary. But for much of the time I’ve been working hard on identifying the highlights for each destination, and noting everything down in the format that I developed for Grand Tour I. The smaller and shorter destinations first: Milan, Cremona, Palestrina, Verona, Padua.
On to Vicenza, which will be my last full day. It looks fabulous (full of Palladio) and is going to be busy, especially as I want to do the walk out to the Basillica di Monte Bérico and La Rotonda (and hoping for a nice warm and sunny late afternoon and evening to round off the Tour). Working backwards to Lucca, which also looks great but with fewer boxes to tick; I think much of the interest will be just the general look of the city and the views from the walls encircling it. Definitely needs good weather!
Then Bologna, the first day when I won't have to move on in the evening; highlights scattered so some walking to do, plus maybe the 3.5km walk under the 666 arches out to the Santuario di Madonna di San Luca, although I'm disappointed to see from Google Maps that there’s a new road running right beside this ancient portico for its entire length.
In sequence then to Florence, which just has so much to see I can’t believe that my 3.5 days there will be anything like enough even to scratch the surface. The Duomo and its dome, and the Campanile for the views, are the important highlights for me, plus the Uffizi which is the only gallery that I’m planning to spent significant time in. After that I have to see what I can see. I have nearly three pages of compact notes, though trying to include details of specific paintings, etc. to look out for in each place. But I want to have time to wander round and enjoy the city, and photograph the views along the river, etc., in between seeing the particular places I have to see. I realise even more now how well-placed my hotel is: in Mediaeval streets, just on the edge of the very centre, and right next to what the Rough Guide calls “the city’s most stylish bridge”.
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