Herculaneum

Our last historic site in this area took us to Herculaneum. This was not as badly damaged by the eruption of Vesuvius as Pompei. It had a mud slide and this covered the buildings but caused little damage so much remains intact. More floors and ceilings remain in good condition with some of the original timber and iron work
We move on tomorrow to southern Italy.

Pompei

What can you say. This is a never to be missed place. We were amazed how good it was. Such an insight into the life of people 2000 years ago. I thought it beat Rome in that respect, Sarah is still neutral on that one.

Final day in Rome.

The Villa Borghese gallery proved to be a highlights of our visit with Statues by Michelangelo and Bernini and paintings by Caravaggio, Titian and many more. The sculptures by Bernini were unbeliveable. The detail was exquisite. Rounded off by a last trip to Piazza Navona with more Bernini's in the fountains. Great day.

Calcata

This little mountain village was very quaint and apparently only gets busy at week ends. We met a nice lady called Gemma in her terraced cafe "La Sala" who served the most delicious cake ever. She was Belgian but has lived here for 29 years.

Roman Forum and the Vatican

Second day in the City. Spent the morning in the Forum with the highlight being Augustus's house in the Palantine and the house of the Vestal Virgins. Afternoon in the Vatican city and museum with some wonderful treasures from Etruscian , Greek, Roman and Stolen Egyptian stuff, as well as the medieval.

Cerveteri Necropolis

This is an Amazing Etruscian Necropolis . You just have to see this. An entire city of the dead. With road ways and tombs like the normal layout of a living city

Rome 1st Visit

On to Rome. Camping at Lago Braccianno on the lake side. Train into Rome and all the usual High Spots.

Umbria

Into Italy via the Zadar to Ancona ferry overnight. Got put into officers quarters cos they messed up our booking. First pic is a view from our camp site at Il Collacio near Preci in the Sibillini National Park. Wonderful campsite, a must for a longer visit. Area full of hill top villages and walled towns.

Zadar

We took a quick trip to Zadar to check out our ferry for Italy. A very nice City with many old buildings.

Paklenica Park

Now into the Southern Velebit and a different type of scenery. This gorge is renowned for climbing . Ther is a great cave system and very worth the climb which almost finished Sarah off. Me "Mr Superfit" who was not carrying the rucksack , was OK