May 21. Florence Peretola airport arrival area--where we met our Elderhostel Coordinator, Paula Verduci
May 21. Florence Peretola airport arrival area--where we met our Elderhostel Coordinator, Paula Verduci
May 21. Departing from our bus in Montecatini Terme--our Tuscany base.
Entrance to Hotel Reale--where our Elderhostel group was housed in Montecatini Terme
Patio area and original (1800's) portion of Hotel Reale, Montecatini Terme. Our room on “First” floor at left of balcony. Room 102.
Pool and Patio at Hotel Reale (not heated, and not used!)
Reception Area, Hotel Reale.
One of several pleasant meeting areas, Hotel Reale lobby.
Elderhostel Lecture Room at Hotel Reale
Computer/Internet Center at Hotel Reale (1.50 Euros for 15 minutes).
Morning, May 22. Time for our “Orientation Walk” around Montecatini Terme.
Hotel & Restaurant owners stake out part of an already-narrow street for their tables. Montecatini Terme, May 22.
Entrance to the elegant “Terme Tettuccio” spa, Montecatini Terme, May 22.
Foyer of Terme Tetttuccio, Montecatini Terme, May 22
Ceiling of Foyer, Terme Tettuccio spa, Montecatini Terme, May 22
Pool beside Foyer, Terme Tettuccio, Montecatini Terme, May 22.
Park surrounding the many spas, Montecatini Terme, May 22.
Terme Excelsior spa--care for a massage? Montecatini Terme, May 22.
How's this for a multi-user phone booth? Montecatini Terme.
Piazza del Popolo (Town Square) in Montecatini Terme, May 22.
Three modes of transportation in Montecatini Terme.
The “Bersaglieri” (Italian Rifle Squad) parading past Hotel Reale, May 21. Part of a huge rally in Florence area.
Embarking on our first tour of Florence. May 23.
Glenn in Florence with his “whisper” device. Great way to communicate with our guide--no yelling needed! May 23.
The famous Baptistery, Duomo dome and bell tower in the Piazza del Duomo, Florence, May 23.
Piazza del Duomo, with Duomo in background, Florence, May 23.
Baptistery of San Giovanni (1128) locale of the bronze “Doors of Paradise.” Florence, May 23.
Detail on the Florence Cathedral (Duomo), May 23.
Detail on Cathedral (Duomo) of Florence, May 23.
Palazzo Vecchio--most important civil building in Florence. Begun in 1299. Was seat of government for centuries.
Copy of Michelangelo's “David” outside the Palazzo Vecchio, Florence, May 23.
Perseus with head of Medusa, in Loggia della Signoria near Palazzo Vecchio, Florence, May 23. Sculptor: Cellini.
“Rape of the Sabine Women” by Giambologna in Loggia della Signoria near Palazzo Vecchio, Florence, May 23.
Neptune“ fountain in Piazza dell Signoria, Florence, June 1.
Donatello's likeness, on exterior wall of Uffizi Gallery. Maybe the greatest sculptor of all time? Worked during Early Renaissance, in 14th Century. Florence, May 23.
Our guide at site of terrorist car bomb--which blew away building behind her, damaging Uffizi Gallery & many paintings. Bombing occurred on May 27, 1993. Florence, May 23.
Medieval “tower” buildings of Florence. May 23.
Medieval “tower” buildings--very spendy real estate--then, and now. Florence, May 23.
Coats of Arms on Medieval building in Florence. May 23.
Detail of Coats of Arms--Medici “balls” (or “pills?”--they were originally doctors) on Medieval building in Florence. May 23.
Exterior of Stozzi Palazzo, biggest palace in Florence, built in 14th century. Huge building stones at base of Palazzo cost a fortune. May 23.
Detail at corner of Strozzi Palazzo. Florence, May 23.
Inner courtyard of Strozzi Palazzo. Florence, May 23.
Upper floors around courtyard, Strozzi Palazzo, Florence, May 23.
Upscale shopping near Strozzi Palazzo, Florence, May 23.
Spendy Vuitton luggage display near Strozzi Palazzo, Florence, May 23.
Window display, Armani Emporium, Florence, May 23.
Entry to Pisa Cathedral, Tower and Campo Santo. May 24.
Pisa Cathedral, started in 1063. May 24.
And there it is--still leaning! Campanile with Cathedral to left. Pisa, May 24.
Base of Tower--once again open to people willing to climb hundreds of steps. Pisa, May 24.
Detail at rear of Cathedral. Pisa, May 24.
Top of Leaning Tower of Pisa. May 24.
Bells and tourists at top of the Leaning Tower of Pisa. May 24.
Baptistery at Pisa. Largest of its kind in Italy. May 24.
Detail on Pisa Baptistery. May 24.
Baptismal font. Baptistery, Pisa. May 24.
Carved sides of Baptismal Font, Baptistery, Pisa. May 24.
Nicola Pisano's carved marble pulpit in the Pisa Baptistery--done in 1260. May 24.
Pisano's version of the Nativity scene on the Pisa Baptistry pulpit. Having never seen a camel, he substituted horses! (See left side of panel). May 24
Guard at Pisa Baptistery demonstrating the wonderful acoustics of the building. May 24.
Pisa Cathedral. May 24.
Bronze doors on west side of Pisa Cathedral. May 24
Detail, bronze door panel, Pisa Cathedral, May 24.
Closer detail, bronze door panel, Pisa Cathedral. May 24.
Detail of mosaic panel above Pisa Cathedral doors. May 24.
Interior of Pisa Cathedral, May 24.
Replica of famous chandelier which inspired Gallileo to postulate physical laws governing pendulums. Pisa Cathedral. May 24.
Detail of Pisa Cathedral mosaics. May 24.
One more view of the Leaning Tower of Pisa--where Galileo tested out his theory of projectile motion by throwing objects from the tower. Do tourists still try this?? May 24.
The thrifty Pisans just re-used old Roman blocks in building their Cathedral. (Sometimes they turned them upside down). May 24.
The “Camposanto Monumentale” (Monumental churchyard) near the Baptistery and Cathedral, Pisa. May 24.
Restored 14th Century Frescoes at Camposanto Monumentale, Pisa. May 24.
Closer detail of same fresco. (Allied bombing in WWII damaged many of the 14th century frescoes here. Pisa. May 24.
Detail of 14th century fresco at Camposanto Monumentale, Pisa. May 24
Sculpture on a sarcophagus in Camposanto Monumentale gallery, Pisa. May 24.
Sculptures at Camposanto Monumentale, Pisa. May 24.
Tomb covering at Camposanto Monumentale, Pisa. May 24.
Old city wall by Baptistery, at “Field of Miracles” Pisa. May 24.
Here come the tourists! At “Field of Miracles” Pisa. May 24.
Tourists checking out the curio stands and the Leaning Tower of Pisa. May 24.
Get your Leaning Tower of Pisa here! May 24.
Gathering our Elderhostel group at the city gate of Pisa. May 24
Montecatini Alto from Montecatini Terme, May 25.
Funicular car for Montecatini Alto arriving. May 26.
Funicular car going down to Montecatini Terme. May 26.
Montecatini Alto homes, and church, perched on the steep hillside. May 26.
Main Piazza, Montecatini Alto. May 26.
Elderhostel Coordinators and group members by war memorial. Montecatini Alto. May 26.
View from Montecatini Alto, looking east. May 26.
Another hilltop town, seen from Montecatini Alto. May 26.
Montecatini Terme's spas, park and town--from Montecatini Alto. May 26.
Glenn, waiting for the funicular car from Montecatini Terme to appear. May 26.
Funicular car approaching! On ride back to Montecatini Terme. May 26.
Shops at Florence train station. May 27
Santa Maria Novella church and bell tower, Florence. Near train station. May 27.
Monument to the last de Medici--Anna Maria Luisa who gave the fabulous Medici art collection to the city of Florence. On the grounds of Santa Maria Novella church. May 27.
Approaching the “Accademia” Gallery, home of Michelangelo's “David.” May 27.
If you push over one motor scooter.........will they all fall?? Florence, May 27.
Giotto's bell tower and base of the Duomo. Florence, May 27.
The Duomo. Florence. May 27.
Duomo, below the dome. Florence. May 27.
An entrance to the Duomo. Florence. May 27.
Front of Duomo (Cathedral) in Florence. May 27.
Detail of facade of Duomo. Florence. May 27.
Bronze doors of Duomo. Florence. May 27.
Looking straight up at Giotto's bell tower at Duomo, Florence. May 27
Detail on Giotto's bell tower, Duomo, Florence. May 27.
Close-up of figures on bell tower, Duomo, Florence. May 27.
Baptistery “Gates of Paradise” doors (copy of originals), Florence. May 27.
Ghiberti's bronze “Gates of Paradise” on Baptistery doors, Florence. May 27.
Ghiberti's original bronze door panel in Duomo Museum, Florence. May 27.
Adam and Eve, original bronze panel by Ghiberti, in Duomo Museum, Florence. May 27.
Detail of Adam & Eve panel, Duomo Museum, Florence, May 27.
St. John the Evangelist, by Donatello. In Duomo Museum, Florence, May 27.
Madonna & Child, by Arnolfo, 1296. In Duomo Museum, Florence, May 27. (Arnolfo also built the Florence Duomo in his spare time!)
Panels from a choir loft by Luca della Robbia, Duomo Museum, Florence, May 27.
Detail from Luca della Robbia's choir loft panel, Duomo Museum, Florence, May 27.
Detail from another choir loft panel by Luca della Robbia, Duomo Museum, Florence, Ma 27.
Michelangelo's “Pieta” done 1548-1555, one of his later works. Duomo Museum, Florence, May 27.
Close-up of “Pieta.” Top figure said to be Michelangelo's own likeness. In Duomo Museum, Florence, May 27.
Frustrated, Michelangelo broke off Christ's arm--repair “scar” can be seen. In Duomo Museum, Florence, May 27.
Donatello's wood sculpture of Mary Magdalene (1457) in Duomo Museum, Florence, May 27.
Close up of Donatello's “Mary Magdalene” in Duomo Museum, Florence, May 27.
Elderhostel group, appreciating great art and resting their feet. In Duomo Museum, Florence, May 27.
Tuscan scenery from bus, enroute to Siena, May 28.
Red poppies in Tuscan field, enroute to Siena, May 28.
Walking past old city wall, entering Siena, May 28.
Corner tower of Siena City Wall, May 28.
Flag of the “Drago” (dragon) Contrado, flying over a church in Siena, May 28.
Steep side streets of Siena, May 28.
The Piazza del Campo in Siena, site of Italy's most famous horse race--the “Palio.” May 28.
The other side of the Piazza del Campo, Siena, May 28.
The 15th Century “Fonte Gaia” (Gay Fountain) in Piazza del Campo, Siena, May 28.
Tourists “resting” on the pavement of Piazza del Campo, Siena, May 28.
Siena Cathedral (1284-1377). One of Italy's most beautiful churches. May 28.
Entry of Siena Cathedral, May 28.
Detail on Siena Cathedral exterior, May 28.
Upper front exterior, Siena Cathedral, May 28
Detail of Siena Cathedral front facade. May 28
Bell Tower of Siena Cathedral. May 28.
Detail of Siena Cathedral Bell Tower. May 28.
Side view of Siena Cathedral Bell Tower & Dome. May 28.
The legendary she-wolf, suckling Romulus and Remus. Legend says Siena founded by Remus' son, “Senius.” May 28.
Interior of Siena Cathedral. May 28.
Contrada flag in Siena Cathedral. May 28.
Stained glass window by Duccio. Over altar of Siena Cathedral. May 28.
Frescoes in Piccolomini Library, Siena Cathedral. May 28.
Frescoes done by Pintoricchio (1502-1509) in Library of Siena Cathedral. May 28.
Frescoed ceiling of Piccolomini Library, Siena Cathedral, May 28.
Fresco panel in Piccolomini Library, Siena Cathedral, May 28.
Detail of fresco panel, Piccolomini Library, Siena Cathedral, May 28.
A Third century Roman copy of the Greek sculpture, “The Three Graces.” In Piccolomini Library, Siena Cathedral, May 28.
Illuminated book, in Piccolomini Library, Siena Cathedral, May 28.
Sculpture in Siena Cathedral. May 28.
Gelato break in Siena.
You want that gelato in a fancy cone?? Siena, May 28.
All the ingredients for a good Tuscan dinner in this window. In Siena, May 28.
Defence walls of Lucca--16th century. Built to keep Florentines out. May 29.
View of Lucca's walls. May 29.
Enjoying the top of Lucca's walls. May 29.
Elderhostel group learning all about Luccas walls. May 29.
Bikers, skaters & Elderhostel walkers atop Lucca's walls. May 29.
View of Lucca from the town's walls.
View of the “Palazzo Pfanner” built in 1667, with its 18th century garden. Lucca, May 29.
Golden mosaics on San Frediano church in Lucca. May 29.
Closer to golden mosaics, San Frediano church, Lucca. May 29.
Detail of San Frediano church's golden mosaic.
Detail of San Frediano church's golden mosaic--Lucca, May 29.
Entrance to former Roman amphitheater where Luccans built their homes in the Middle Ages. “Piazza Anfiteatro.” May 29.
Piazza Anfitreatro surrounded by now-upscale apartments. (Offer about 500,000 Euro for one). Lucca, May 29.
Local color in Lucca--apartment window in Piazza Anfiteatro. May 29.
Elderhostel guide explaining about Lucca's Medieval tower houses. (Once Lucca had 170 towers!) May 29.
The “Guinigi Tower” with oak trees on top. 130 ft. high. Lucca, May 29.
Exterior of Lucca Cathedral, San Martino. May 29.
Other half of carvings on facade of Lucca cathedral. May 29.
Arcades & columns of the Lucca cathedral, San Martino. May 29.
Yet ANOTHER church in Lucca!! “San Michele in Foro.” May 29.
Glittering Madonna and Child on corner of San Micele in Foro church, Lucca. May 29.
Statue of opera composer, Puccini. In square near his home. Lucca. May 29.
Our Elderhostel Coordinator, Laura Papallo singing a Puccini aria, near the composer's birthplace, in Lucca. May 29.
Heading to Leonardo's birthplace, Vinci. May 31.
The village of Vinci. May 31.
Model of Leonardo's “Vitruvian Man” used to demonstrate the Greeks' ideas of proportion. At the Leonardo Museum in Vinci. May 31.
Model of Leonardo's design for an airplane. At Leonardo Museum, Vinci. May 31.
Church tower, in Vinci. May 31.
Church in Vinci where Leonardo was baptised, after his birth April 15, 1452. May 31.
Potter's shop in Vinci. May 31.
Potter's productions. Village of Vinci. May 31. (Translation: “Pay attention to the cat! or dog!”)
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Tuscany views from Vinci. May 31.
Olive Groves at Vinci. May 31.
Approaching house where Leonardo was born in 1452. Vinci, May 31.
Leonardo da Vinci's birthplace, near the village of Vinci. May 31.
Family crest of Leonardo da Vinci. Near Vinci, May 31.
Sculpture made from one of Leonardo's plans for a gigantic horse. In Vinci. Street sweeper is using a local product--making brooms is big business here. May 31.
The Villa Rospigliosi, near Prato. Designed in 1667 by Bernini for Pope Clemente IX.
Garden at Villa Rospigliosi, Lamporecchio. May 31.
Frescoed dome ceiling of Reception Room, Villa Rospigliosi. May 31.
Cocktails before lunch, in the Reception Room, Villa Rospigliosi. May 31.
An elegant luncheon is about to be served at Villa Rospigliosi. May 31.
Our Elderhostel group enjoying a wonderful lunch at Villa Rospigliosi. May 31.
Our roast pork entree, presented with dimmed lights and flaming sauce. At Villa Rospigliosi. May 31.
Marge Riley, viewing her lunch. Villa Rospigliosi, May 31.
Paula Verduci and Clive Britton preparing for Clive's lecture/concert at Villa Rosopigliosi. May 31.
Clive Britton, playing selections from Franz Liszt's Italian “Pilgrimages” Volume 1 and 2. At Villa Rospigliosi. May 31.
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Our Elderhostel group on the steps of Villa Rospigliosi, May 31.
Looking toward the Palazzo Vecchio from the window of the Uffizi Gallery. Florence, June 1.
Waiting to enter the Uffizi Gallery, Florence. June 1.
The Annunciation, by Simone Martini & Lippo Memmi, 1339. Originally in the Siena CathedraL, now in the Uffizi Gallery, Florence. June 1.
Primavera (Spring) by Sandro Botticelli, painted about 1482. In Uffizi Gallery, Florence. June 1.
Annunciation, by Leonardo, about 1475. In the Uffizi Gallery, Florence. June 1.
Doni Tondo by Michelangelo. (Holy Family with infant St. John the Baptist) In Uffizi Gallery, Florence. June 1.
Barbara & Glenn, having lunch in the Uffizi Gallery Terrace Restaurant. Florence, June 1.
Our 8-Euro Sundae at Uffizi Gallery restaurant. Florence, June 1.
Pigeons sharing the fountain with a bronze figure. Uffizi Gallery Terrace Restaurant, Florence. June 1.
Family crests and shields of ancient Florentine families on the wall of the Palazzo Vecchio. From the Uffizi Terrace Restaurant, Florence. June 1.
Ponte Vecchio over the Arno River. From the Uffizi Gallery windows, Florence. June 1.
Closer view of Ponte Vecchio with gold & other merchants' stores attached. From Uffizi Galley window. Florence, June 1.
Florence's many bridges over the Arno River. From the Uffizi Gallery window. Florence, June 1.
Early morning in Montecatini Terme--leaving on the bus. June 2.