Urbino Having spent last night looking at the city as the sun was setting, today we get to see it. But first the bus and that was fun. We caught the sight seeing spectacular form outside the campsite. I was a touch concerned since it seemed to be going the wrong way but the drives had responded 'Si' when we said 'Urbino'. So we set off for a tour of the hills around the city. The views were spectacular and one could see for miles: lush green with rolling ...

Urbino So we left Ravenna on Wednesday hoping for quiet roads and a peaceful drive. Took a slight diversion off to see, we hope, some Great Bitterns and had to explore the off road scene in Italy. Actually not too bad but directions were a little hazy so I ended up having to backup for about 800 yards as there was no obvious turning point when we reached the gates. As for the Bitterns they were not in evidence, sadly, so we departed for the drive past ...

Day 17 April 30th Po River Delta We have just had a fantastic day bird watching. For those not into birding then this will all seem rather tedious and boring but we had a great day! The Po delta area is large and has many lagoons and reed beds spread over many miles. Fortunately, the Italians have recognised this and in a limited way set up sites and positions so that we who want can get to see some of the sites. Signposting is quite poor so sometimes ...

Our campsite is on the coast; at Lido di Adriano. It's a large site but well organised and proud of its eco friendly bits. The Italians seem to have adopted PV panels on quite a large scale. We have seen many 6-kilowatt examples (eg 32 panels) on private houses, which is much larger than at home. I guess their roofs are bigger than ours! This campsite claims that it is entirely run from power so generated nso it has a great many more! The site is obviously u...

Day 13 April After being rained off on Tuesday today was the day for Venice. Got up early and walked to station for the train to Venezia. Very crowded but we got into 1st class so it was comfortable. Arrival in Venezia is the first of many surprises. Crossing over on to what seems to be a causeway for rail and road one realises that the city really is all at sea. With boats rushing up and down their own routes sea is what you see. Of course, one has alway...