Italy on The Modrich Blog

Arrivederci Italia

Tue, 10 Jun 2025 10:00:00 +0200

Today we leave Milan, and Italy.

We’ve packed up and headed to the train station to catch the MXP Express train out to the airport.

Unfortunately, the experience at the airport this time around was not as smooth as when we arrived.

The check-in process was great, but then security was chaotic. We must have hit peak hour.

We waited patiently in the barely moving line for what seemed like an hour, but eventually made it through.

Milan - San Siro and Duomo

Mon, 09 Jun 2025 20:00:00 +0200

Today we headed out to explore a bit more of Milan. First up was the San Siro soccer stadium.

We walked up to the M5 metro line and caught the underground train all the way to the stadium.

The automatic trains drive themselves, so it was fun for the kids (and us) to sit at the front and watch out the front window—it was almost like being on a ride. The kids loved it.

Florence to Milan

Sun, 08 Jun 2025 20:40:00 +0200

Today is a travel day.

We had an early breakfast to finish off the leftover pizza from last night, then headed out for a morning walk before the crowds and the heat arrived.

A quick walk over the Ponte Vecchio one last time—spectacular without the crowds. You can actually move and see the details of the bridge.

We then headed back toward the Duomo for one last look without the sea of people. It’s a truly amazing building.

Florence - Boboli Gardens and Ponte Vecchio Paint-and-Sip

Sat, 07 Jun 2025 20:40:00 +0200

Today we continued to explore Florence.

We headed out in the morning to avoid the heat (it’s been really hot and humid 🥵) and the crowds.

We walked across the Ponte Vecchio—lovely without the mass crowds—and up toward the Pitti Palace, purchased our tickets, and went inside to explore the Boboli Gardens.

The gardens were amazing and massive—a beautiful space to walk and wander, which is exactly what we did.

Florence

Fri, 06 Jun 2025 20:40:00 +0200

Today we had a slow morning—coffee on the balcony, watching the world pass by below.

We headed out around 9:30am toward the Duomo, hunting for more wine windows along the way.

The Duomo is truly amazing—intricate detail in every centimetre.

The Duomo doesn’t open until after 10am, yet the line to get in was already wrapping halfway around the building. Crazy.

Laura and I have been inside before and have climbed the dome. While it would be good for the kids to see the inside, we sensed they were a bit over it and certainly wouldn’t have the patience to wait in the line.

Rome to Florence

Thu, 05 Jun 2025 20:40:00 +0200

Today we moved on from Rome and headed to Florence.

Once again, we packed our bags and headed for the train station. This time, we caught the bus from just up the road from our apartment.

While it felt like we could have walked in the same time, at least we were off our feet—which was a good thing after the past few days.

We arrived at Roma Termini well ahead of when we needed to catch our train. Roma Termini has a fantastic food hall—Mercato Centrale. The place was clean and had heaps of very nice-looking food and drink options. It was actually surprisingly good and unlike what we remembered Roma Termini to be from our last visit.

Rome - Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, Villa Borghese, Roman Forums - and 3-scoop Gelato

Wed, 04 Jun 2025 20:40:00 +0200

Wow… we thought the last few days were big, but today the kids broke their all-time step count PBs—28k+ steps each!

We didn’t plan for a big day—it just happened. We had a slowish morning as we looked into hop-on-hop-off buses, since the kids were keen to try one. After some research, we figured we would probably be best served just catching local buses as needed. Most of the stops on the hop-on-hop-off bus would take us to places we had already visited.

Rome - Colosseum, Vatican and St. Paul’s

Tue, 03 Jun 2025 20:40:00 +0200

Today was a big (and hot 🥵) day in Rome. We had a busy schedule with tickets to the Colosseum at 11:45am and then the Vatican at 4pm.

We had tried to get tickets as early as possible and had been looking for months. It seems they are both popular 🤷

So we took what we could get and had to roll with it—hoping the kids could battle on in the heat and the crowds. They did amazingly.

Monopoli to Rome

Mon, 02 Jun 2025 20:40:00 +0200

Today we packed our bags and left Monopoli – it’s been a great week.

While we had intended our week in Monopoli to be spent chilling out and not doing much, we actually did a lot and were quite busy.

We had an early start, leaving the apartment at about 7am so we could haul our ever-heavier packs to the station to catch the 7:45am express to Bari, where we would then connect with a fast train to Rome.

Monopoli - Walk, Swim, Gelato

Sun, 01 Jun 2025 16:40:00 +0200

Today is our last day in Monopoli. We leave tomorrow very early to catch a train to Bari, and then another from Bari up to Rome.

The weather is fantastic today—the sun is out, the wind has dropped, and the sea looks lovely.

The kids and I took a walk down the coast to check out Cala Diavolo (Devil Cove), named because of the two coves next to each other that resemble the shape of devil horns on the coastline.

More Monopoli

Sat, 31 May 2025 20:40:00 +0200

Today was about more exploring and trying new things.

We had a lovely, slow morning—I think we all needed it—and we headed out just before 10 a.m.

Walking past the big cathedral, we were just in time to see more of the local festa, with the procession of three more statues through the street, followed by a marching band and many locals.

Once the procession had passed, we ventured into the cathedral for a look. It was massive—lots of white and brown marble, frescoes, paintings, and relics.

Matera Day Trip

Fri, 30 May 2025 20:40:00 +0200

Today we drive!

We hired a car from a local rental company (GoRent) and drove to Matera for a day trip.

Driving in Italy is exciting! The cities and towns are the hard part. Once you’re on the Autostrada, it’s plain sailing.

The traffic signs are confusing. When it seems to say 50 km/h and you do this, others feel like they are passing you at warp speed.

🤌

Not keen on getting a speeding fine, I follow what the speed signs and the car GPS tell me—until it feels dangerous, and then I speed up to “local traffic speed” for a bit to avoid accidents.

Alberobello

Thu, 29 May 2025 16:45:00 +0200

Today we took a bus from Monopoli to Alberobello—home of the beautiful UNESCO Trulli stone houses.

After about an hour on the bus, driving through the Puglian countryside, we arrived in Alberobello. Now to find the Trulli.

Up this street, down that—we wound our way from the bus stop, which is on the outskirts of town, toward the centre. It’s here we found the amazing Trulli.

Memories came flooding back from our previous visit in 2015, when we stayed in town in Trulli for a few days.

Monopoli Day 2

Wed, 28 May 2025 20:45:00 +0200

Today was all about chilling out, unwinding, and recharging.

It was a wonderfully warm day in Monopoli—perfect for exploring a little and then hitting the beach.

We grabbed lunch at the other café at the end of our street—this one focused mainly on fried calamari and octopus paninis (what could be better?).

We ordered some calamari, fries, a few octopus paninis, and some drinks. An amazing lunch.

By the afternoon, a breeze had come up. Rain is expected tomorrow. We still wanted some beach time, however, and didn’t let the breeze stop us—although it did change the previously mirror-like sea into a bit more of a choppy affair.

Bari to Monopoli

Tue, 27 May 2025 20:45:00 +0200

After a quick overnight stay in Bari, we packed up our bags and walked to the train station.

Bari Centrale was about a 2 km walk, giving us a brief look at other areas of the city as we made our way through the streets.

It was a quick 45-minute train ride to Monopoli. The train left Bari and followed the coastline, providing some lovely views of both the water and the almost endless fields of vines and olive trees—something the region is known for.

Dubrovnik to Bari

Mon, 26 May 2025 10:45:00 +0200

Today we pack our bags and head back to Italy 🇮🇹.

Croatia 🇭🇷 has been absolutely amazing—we’ve loved it and wish we had more time here. But all good things come to an end, and we must move on.

We have a day sailing out of Dubrovnik, which will get us in at around 7 p.m. this evening to Bari, where we will check into our next Airbnb apartment.

The day sailing will be an interesting change—more like a cruise. The ship seems to be very well appointed, with lots of options for the kids to keep themselves entertained and amused.

Varenna to Ancona by Train and a Ferry to Split

Fri, 16 May 2025 21:25:00 +0200

Today is a travel day. We say farewell to Varenna and Lake Como. It’s been a fantastic and busy few days—we’ve loved it.

This morning, we caught a regional train from Varenna back to Milan, and from Milan we took a fast train (Frecciarossa) to Ancona, where we would board an overnight ferry to Split.

We checked out of the apartment in Varenna, backpacks on, and headed for the station.

Varenna, Castello Di Vezio and Managgio

Thu, 15 May 2025 21:25:00 +0200

Today was a big day – it’s H’s birthday! As we woke up, we drew back the blinds to reveal a picture-perfect sunny day on Lake Como. Today looked like it would be the best weather yet. The low cloud that had hung over the nearby mountains had cleared, and we could now see their snow-capped peaks. The view was truly stunning.

We had a light breakfast and set out early to avoid the crowds.

Varenna and Bellagio

Wed, 14 May 2025 21:25:00 +0200

After a very long day yesterday, we all went to bed pretty early—but this also meant we were all awake early.

The kids did well and slept from 7 pm through to just after 4 am, and stayed in bed until about 5 am when restlessness got the better of them (as it does).

So it was time to get up and have a chilled, slow morning—leftover pizza from last night’s dinner and a coffee or two while taking in the views. What’s not to love!

Milan to Varenna (Lake Como)

Tue, 13 May 2025 10:00:00 +0200

After a reasonably long (12-hour) onward flight from Singapore—which included a lot of bumps thanks to thunderstorms—we landed safely at Milano Airport this morning at about 6:30 am local time (GMT +2).

A grey and drizzly day welcomed us in Milan, but at least it wasn’t cold (and lugging 15 kg backpacks certainly helps to keep you warm).

We cleared baggage collection and immigration impossibly quickly—it really was fast. Having two kids in tow appears to have helped, as we were directed through the special “tired parents with tired kids express line.” They clearly took pity on the handful of parents traveling with their kids.

Italy, Croatia & Singapore

Mon, 12 May 2025 07:00:00 +1000

Today is the day!

Today we fly!

After roughly six months of planning, it’s time to head off on our family’s next big adventure—travelling through Italy, Croatia, and Singapore.

We have a long day ahead of us. First up is a four-hour drive to the airport. Then we fly to Milan with a brief stopover in Singapore to stretch our legs and change planes before continuing the flight.

Milan is not our ultimate destination, though. Once we arrive and collect our bags (yes—they will make it 🤞🤞), we will catch a train up to Varenna on Lake Como, which will be our base for the first few days.

Rome to Aix-en-Provence via Genoa (by train)

Thu, 30 Jul 2015 14:02:00 +1000

Back in Rome

We arrived back into Rome on Wednesday evening (29th July) in reasonable time after having left San Lupo in the early afternoon - immediately after the main mass and precession of the statue of San Lupo through the streets.

It was good to have made it back to San Lupo again, although not a lot looks to have changed since our last visit in 2008 - but its beautiful during the festival with all the lights lining the streets at night.

Alberobello

Sat, 25 Jul 2015 19:52:00 +1000

Saturday we packed up and checked out of the villa. It was sad to leave as its been an absolutely great time and very relaxing, but everything must come to an end and we must move on to our next destination - Alberobello.

Alberobello is in the south east of Italy, not far from Bari - but it’s roughly 750km from where we currently are in Siena, which will make for a long days driving. Furthermore we need to swing by Rome airport to pickup Maddie (Laura’s sister) who will be joining the travelling group for a few weeks.

San Gimignano

Thu, 23 Jul 2015 19:52:00 +1000

On Friday (24th July) we set out early and took a road trip to San Gimignano - about an hour or so away from where we were staying at the villa.

San Gimignano is a medieval hill top fortified city and is renowned for its many towers - everywhere you look there are more.

While San Gimignano is one of the smaller towns we have visited, it is by far one of the more beautiful. The medieval architecture combined with towers in every direction makes for post-card photos everywhere you look.

Vino e Pizza

Wed, 22 Jul 2015 19:51:00 +1000

So… We have been without Internet access for a few days, and the blog posts have been limited as a result of this. I have a lot to catch up on and as Internet access becomes available - and I have time - new blog posts will begin to show up.

Today (Thursday 23rd July) was a bit of a lay-day - we hung out at the villa and swam to keep cool. After lunch (and siesta) we decided to check out a local winery, Tenuta di Trecciano, which is about 5km down the road for some tastings.

A day trip to Assisi

Tue, 21 Jul 2015 16:19:00 +1000

Today we jumped in the cars and ventured out to Assisi for a day trip - roughly 120km from where we are staying.

Assisi is the home of many Saints, but probably most prominent was Saint Francis, the founder of the Franciscan order and was named as one of the two patron Saints of Italy (along with Saint Catherine of Siena).

We decided to head out early to try and avoid as much of the heat of the day as we could. The drive to Assisi was reasonably straightforward - at least compared to some of our recent outings and the routes selected by our TomTom.

A Tuscan Feast

Tue, 21 Jul 2015 07:56:00 +1000

We arranged with Franco, the owner of the villa, to prepare us a traditional Tuscan feast (an option available to anyone staying at the villa) on Tuesday evening.

We all wanted to celebrate arriving in Tuscany and to mark the start of our holiday, but Tuesday was also Mum’s birthday - and what better excuse to kick back, relax and enjoy some awesome Tuscan food and wine together.

In the early afternoon the chefs and other staff arrived to start preparing the evening meal. The long table on the lawn was set, along with a large accompanying table which would hold all the food for the evening meal.

An evening in Siena

Mon, 20 Jul 2015 13:48:00 +1000

Today we decided to venture out to nearby Siena for the evening - its too hot (38-40c) to be out and about with the kids during the heat of the day, and for us the time is much better spent cooling off and relaxing by the pool.

From our villa, Siena is roughly a 20km drive - initially through scenic hills which make for some exciting driving with blind hair-pin corners, narrow stone wall lined roads and stretches of tree lined avenues. Winding down from the hills takes us through a number of small townships and into a valley with paddocks full of sunflowers and others with freshly cut hay.

Villa Podere Incrociati

Sun, 19 Jul 2015 13:46:54 +1000

So after a long few days of travel, we arrived yesterday evening at what will become our home for the next week - villa Podere Incronciati - a traditional Tuscan villa built in 1840 about 20km outside of Siena.

We were welcomed by the owner and offered complimentary wine, cheese, olives, fruit and other nibbles - which was much appreciated after the drive from Rome.

After settling on rooms, we unpacked before hitting the pool to cool down and relax for a bit - which was great in the 38c heat.

The Family Vacation - Let's Begin

Sun, 19 Jul 2015 08:20:25 +1000

So… The last few day have been hectic and somewhat full-on to say the least.

I was wanting to sit down at the end of each day, with a beer or a glass of wine, and take some time out to update the blog - however given the events of the past few days, this was not possible.

I now find myself sitting in a villa in Tuscany on morning one, a cup of tea and a piece of toast at my side, looking out across an open field towards some bushland, writing about the events leading to this point.

San Lupo

Thu, 31 Jul 2008 19:37:19 +1000

We arrived into Benevento by train from Naples, and were greeted warmly by Laura’s relations Sandra and Lorenzo Ciaglia. We then drove for about 30min up into the hills to our destination, the small town of San Lupo.

We arrived right at the beginning of the three day festa, where the town honors its patron saint - San Lupo.

During the festa the town comes alive, and is dressed up with lights all up and down the main street and through the main piazza in front of the church.

Napoli, Sorrento and beyond

Sun, 27 Jul 2008 03:37:42 +1000

After our adventures in Rome, our next stop was Napoli.

We headed to the Termini train station to reserve our seats - two seat reservations in 1st class came to 10 Euro.

In recent times, having traveled a fair amount on the trains in Italy, we had noticed that the train conductors were not overly concerned with our Eurail pass - it was always the reservation (which looks almost exactly like a regular ticket), that they were interested in.

When in Rome...

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 09:11:00 +1000

We made it to Rome after a pleasant few days in the Cinque Terre. Almost immediately we noticed that it was a little warmer here in Rome, away from the cooler comfort of the coast that Cinque Terre offered.

We are staying in a simple B&B - its not quite what you would classify as a B&B in Australia, but I guess it meets the necessities, we get a bed, and we get breakfast. To be honest, its actually quite nice. The room is huge, and while there are no cooking facilities we do have access to a fridge.

The Cinque Terre

Tue, 15 Jul 2008 07:54:00 +1000

We arrived in Riomaggiore, the southern most town in the group of 5 towns that make up the ‘Cinque Terre’, and were immediately amazed by the bella vista that was in front of us.

We walked through the center of town to find the accommodation office. After a short discussion with the office lady we were off - winding our way through tiny streets and up stairs, to reach our apartment some 300m away and 120 steps up the hill side.

Pisa - in and out

Fri, 11 Jul 2008 07:47:45 +1000

On our way from Certaldo to Cinque Terre we made a very brisk stop over in Pisa for the obligatory photos…

To be honest, we’re not sure what else, besides the leaning tower, that this town has to offer. Many others we have met suggested it wasn’t worth saying here, and that you could see all you needed to in an hour or two - we took their advice, and were in an out of Pisa in about an hour and a half, having satisfied our curiosity.

Under the Tuscan Sun

Wed, 09 Jul 2008 05:30:55 +1000

The transport strike has finished, and so has our forced day of relaxation in Bologna (yes… we did absolutely nothing, and loved it!) - we grabbed the early train out of town and headed for Certaldo in Tuscany.

Certaldo is a cute little town south west of Florence (Firenze), and north of Siena. We are staying in a beautiful agriturismo B&B, come self contained shared apartment - it has everything, free mountain bikes, kitchen & fridge, internet, etc, and is immaculate.

Italian transport strike

Mon, 07 Jul 2008 19:05:32 +1000

Despite all efforts to plan and schedule the Italian leg of our trip, there is nothing we can do about a public transport strike.

The strike incorporates buses, trains, and planes - so we aren’t going anywhere! We were meant to leave Bologna today for San Gimiamo, but this will have to wait until tomorrow.

So today is a forced day of relaxation in the Bolognese country side - we can’t even get into town as we rely on the local bus service.

The Bologna Country Side

Sat, 05 Jul 2008 19:38:06 +1000

We arrived in Bologna yesterday afternoon, after a short train trip from Venice (2 hours). We managed to navigate the local bus system with the help of a local and shortly after arrived at our B&B which is located in the country side hills overlooking farmland and the city - about 15 minutes drive out of town.

Its absolutely beautiful here. The relaxing surroundings, the peacefulness of the Italian country side… Its just what we needed - a change from staying in city’s.

Viva Italia

Fri, 04 Jul 2008 06:17:54 +1000

We are finally on the last leg of our trip (in Europe anyway!) - we hit Italy three days ago (1st July), having caught a rather scenic train from Salzburg. The scenery was absolutely amazing - travelling by train through the Austrian and Italian Alps is highly recommended. There are a few rather long tunnels at times, but the scenery, especially prior to leaving Austria was unbelievable.

Once again we used our Eurail ticket to facilitate the 6 hour trip (with 1 change over) from Salzburg to Venice. We raced to get on the train in Salzburg - in amongst heaps of school kids who obviously use the intercity service instead of the suburban service for its comfort to get to and from school.