Monaco, Eze, and Nice, France -April 27

Monte Carlo, Monaco,  Eze France and Nice, France - April 27

A sparkling gem of the French Riviera, the chic city of Monte Carlo in the petite kingdom of Monaco boasts some of the world's most exclusive yachts, shopping and a beautiful old port.
A fairy-tale aura has settled on this glittering city of the Grimaldi family, perhaps nowhere more elegantly than at the Prince's Palace, where the late American actress-turned princess Grace Kelly presided with Prince Rainier III. Monte Carlo's medieval quarter perches on "The Rock," at the foot of the Maritime Alps. An overlook near the Palace affords spectacular views of the Mediterranean and the harbor lined with mega-yachts. St Nicholas Cathedral where  Grace Kelley wed and became Princess and where she is buried, is not to be missed. We enjoyed a drive along a portion of the Grand Prix Motor Race circuit to the city's most visited gem,
the world-renowned Monte Carlo Casino, the peak of European prestige and glamour.

Early in the day our scenic drive took us along the French Riviera, past spectacular views of Cap Ferrat and Beaulieu, to the magnificent medieval hill town of Eze, perched on a seaside promontory. We loved Eze and its charming stone streets with the seaviews far below.

After Eze, we continued along the coast to the  "Pearl of the Côte d'Azur", Nice. We enjoyed the palm-lined Promenade des Anglais, the colorful flower and fruit market, and the beachfront  promenade.

Eze and Nice, France pics on separate post

Monaco

Up on the "Rock" near palace

Grand Prix bleachers (blue)

Palace

Police Station!!

St Nicholas Church wher Grace Kelly married her prince

Casino

Inside the Casino Monte Carlo

Outside Casino

Casino

Side front of Casino

Florence, Italy from Port of Livorno - April 26

Florence, Italy,  Port of Livorno - April 26

We had several choices this day, a short trip to Pisa, a ride to visit lovely Lucca, or a ride to fabulous Florence. We love Lucca, but love Florence even more, so off to Florence we went.

Viking charged $79.00  per person for transportation to Florence and a pickup about 5 1/2 hrs later.

7 of us walked across the Arno River, and up, up, up to the overlook of Piazza Michaelangelo, with beautiful views of Florence below, in all its glory.
We then walked down and across the Arno again on the Ponte Vecchio, the only bridge to survive without being bombed in the war.

Piazza della Vecchia, the Baptistery with its bronze doors by Ghiberti, the gorgeous Duomo with Michaelangelo's Dome and Gioto's Bell Tower, creamy gelato, caffe, Santa Croce church, where Michaelangelo is buried all amazing stops.   Piazza della Signoria is the most beautiful square in the center of Florence and famous for it's statues and loggia, a replica of the David and the fountain of Neptune.

A wonderful day in Florence.

Neptune Fountain

Neptune Fountain

Santa Croce

Duomo

Baptistery

Giotto's Bell Tower

Ponte Vecchio

Ufizzi

Bacchus

Bargello

Duomo doors

Gibertis Bronze doors on Baptistery

Livorno fortress

ove FlLeaving port of Livorno

Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy - April 25

Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy - April 25

More than 2,500 years of history live in the streets of Rome. For centuries, the city ruled much of Europe, building a vast empire from the power of emperors. Ancient structures recall those days when the cheers of 80,000 spectators roared from the Colosseum, citizens mingled in the Forum and senators asked the gods for guidance in the Pantheon.

Along with the Vatican and St. Peter's Basilica, this rich pocket of Italy is one of the world's greatest repositories of history and civilization. Today, Rome is a remarkable blend of ancient and modern. Vespas whiz past ancient treasures; Renaissance fountains overlook streets lined with designer shops. Even today's papacy weighs ancient traditions against a modern world.

It was a lovely day to revisit some of our favorite spots in Rome -- Piazza Navona with its Bernini fountain,
Fountain of the Four Rivers, designed in 1651 for Pope Innocent X, whose family palace, the Palazzo Pamphili, faced onto the piazza. At the north end of Piazza Navona is another beauty, the Fountain of Neptune. The Vatican, the Pantheon, the Tiber, Colosseum, Palace of Justice, Constantine's Arch, so many wonders to see in a short time. 

St Peters Vatican dome, Tiber, and Castel San Angelo, Rome

Neptune Fountain, Piazza Navona

Bernini's 4 Rivers Fountain, (my favorite) in Piazza Navona

Castel S'ant Angelo

Tiber, St. Peters, and Castel Sant Angelo

Palace of Justice

Palace of Justice

American Embassy in Rome

Part of Roman Aquaduct

Arch of Constantine's