Italy October 2007

My first extended holiday came in October 2007 when I joined the Best of Italy tour offered by GAP Adventures (now called G adventures). Best of Italy is a good example of a tour that bridges escorted and self directed experiences. The tour leader is responsible for managing transportation and getting you to your hotel, and in some cases arranging for meals. They provide a brief orientation upon arrival at every new destination, but otherwise you are on your own as to how you want to spend your time. This particular holiday began in Rome where I spent a few days before picking up the GAP Adventures tour.

Favourite moments

Taking in an opera performance in Lucca

Riding a gondola through the canals of Venice

Wine Tasting in Asti

This particular holiday occupies a special place for me, since it was my first solo adventure, and my first extended holiday. It was not a particularly happy period in my life since at that moment, my sister in law was terminally ill with cancer. This hung over the planning of this holiday to the point where I considered cancelling it.  In the end, I did go, and was glad of it.

If there is one place I would like to return to someday, its Rome. Although I had a few days there, I could have spent a couple weeks or more.