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SOLERA DIAMOND VALLEY | OCTOBER 2019 9 by Sharon Cates, Resident SDV residents John and Sue Rossi's recent trip to Italy exceeded their expectations. Not only was it a vacation for them, but a graduation gift for their son Vito and an opportunity for John to visit the country of his heritage. Both his grandfather and great- grandfather were Italian immigrants that came to the United States via Ellis Island. The three travelers flew out of San Diego on May 24 and met their Gate One tour group the following day in Milan where they transferred to the hotel on Lago Maggiore in the town of Baveno. This location is called one of Italy's most romantic. Sue related how beautiful it was with its spectacular mountain and lake views. Verona, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the richest cities in remnants of Roman architecture. It is worth the guided walking tour. Next was a boat ride to the island of Murano which is famous for its colorful glassware. In the afternoon they continued to Venice. John enjoyed walking the streets in the evening and captured some beautiful photographs of Venice at night. Traveling through Tuscany and visiting a typical countryside farm was a highlight. There they enjoyed wine and tasty local specialties. On route to Florence, the group visited Pisa to view the famous leaning tower and other extraordinary monuments. The tour of the Renaissance city of Florence began with the Accademia of Fine Arts where Michelangelo's David is housed. Florence is considered the center of the world's finest art and architecture and there is much to see. A Tuscan Hills restaurant provided dinner that night with unlimited food and wine. Musical entertainment accompanied the feast. On route to Rome, they visited Assisi. This city is another UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its art and architecture. The two- day tour of Rome included the Vatican Museums, Michelangelo's masterpiece, the Sistine Chapel and the Colosseum. Seeing the ancient part of the city the following day, impressed our travelers. Three levels of excavated underground held Roman treasures and an ancient operating aqueduct which is considered remarkable today. Pompeii, Sorrento, Capri and the rugged coast of Amalfi were the last sites of the tour. The 50-kilometer Amalfi coastline road with its tall cliffs presented sweeping views of the Tyrrhenian Sea. Sue mentioned that the twisting road was an uncomfortable journey for her but agreed the view was spectacular. The couple said they had wonderful food (noting the clam sauce in Amalfi was a favorite) and lodging throughout the 13-day tour and praised Gate One for their thoughtful attention to detail. The last leg of their trip, Naples to Bari by train, was personally planned so that the family could visit the town and church of John's grandparents. John and Sue flew home on June 10 leaving Vito to enjoy a few more days in beautiful Italy. A Trip to Italy