Camping Estrella 3 to Vizmar Peniscola

28th June 2013

We left the camping Estrella 3 Barcelona about 11.00am filled up with fuel then headed south to Peniscola . We arrived at Vizmar camping Peniscola at 2.30pm and had a siesta as the lack of sleep over the last couple of days had caught up with us. We then went for a walk to the beach and to see the castle of papa Luna . Papa Luna was a pope not recognised by the catholic religion. The religion was split between two popes and it just happened that he was not recognised. Went back to the campsite for our tea and had an early night.

London to Barcelona

27th June 2013

After breakfast we said our goodbyes to the people who had got the coach from Manchester then we finished packing and checked out of the hotel, leaving our luggage while we went in to Woking town centre to do a bit of shopping for things we had run out of while we have been on the road. We had a coffee then set off for Stansted Airport for our flight back to Barcelona . Our flight was at 6.00pm so we had plenty of time to get to the Airport. The flight was half an hour late leaving Stansted however we arrived in Barcelona on time. Got a taxi back to the campsite then I un packed our bags and Derek went to the bar to watch Spain & Italy football, I did join him for a vino blanco later.

London garden party Buckingham palace

 26th June 2013

Had our breakfast then got our best clothes on for the garden party. The coach left the hotel after a few photos at 11.30am and headed to London. The coaches parked on The Mall and we all got off. A few of us went to a pub near the guards chapel for a drink before we went in Buckingham Palace . The gates opened at 2.30pm and we went in through the main entrance.We stopped for a few photos as we walked through the palace to the garden at the back.There was a ceremony by the guards and the band played then the Queen inspected the guards and presented the new colours. We then had afternoon tea ( cucumber sandwiches and little cakes), we walked to the side of the lake and took some more photos. At this point I had to take my shoes off cos my feet were killing but it wasn't a problem , the grass was as smooth as carpet and not a weed in site!!! The Queen then had a walk round chatting to people which gave us the opportunity to take some photos ( not allowed really). We had ice-cream then at 6.00pm we had to start making our way back to the coach. After a lovely day we got back to the hotel for dinner at 8.30pm

Camping Estrella 3 Barcelona to London

24th June 2013

Had another lazy day round the campsite , got our outfits ready and packed for London and all the documentation we needed to take. Had an early nite as we were getting up at 4.00am for our flight to London.

25th June 2013

Got up at 4.00pm after not much sleep due to fireworks being let off till 1.30am. Went to reception to order a taxi to the airport, however we had a bit of a panic cos we waited an hour for one to turn up by which time it was 5.30am and our flight was 6.50am. The drive to the airport was only 10 mins so we had enough time. We arrived at Stansted airport about 8.30 am and had a coffee and collected the hire car. After a 2 hour drive round the M25 we got to the hotel, both of us were tired but we had to get our hair cut, so off we went to find a hairdresser in Woking town centre.We then had a bite to eat and a siesta. At about 6.00pm we went to meet everyone else who had travelled by coach and get our invitation and tickets for the garden party. Had our evening meal and a few drinks.

Camping Estrella 3 Barcelona

 23rd June 2013

Had another lazy day round the campsite , as the day went on the campsite got busier with lots of Spanish turning up for there fiesta. We had a BBQ and as the day turned in to night the Spanish music got louder and the fireworks started by 10.00pm the party was starting to get in full swing,like a rave party. The music and fireworks carried on until it came light.

Camping estrella 3 Barcelona

22nd June 2013

Today we caught the bus in to Barcelona and did a walking tour out of the lonely planet book. We walked down las Ramblas as the operahouse the we walked further along to the food market which was buzzing with little bars round the edge and produce market (fish and vegetables) .We then walked further down las Ramblas and saw Gaudi house, one of his early works, we crossed the road to a plaza with two street lights believed to be Gaudi's first works. Then we continued to the gothic area with Roman wall and cathedral . We then made our way back to the market for a couple of drinks before heading for the Hard Rock Cafe were we had a bite to eat and cocktail. We met a nice Canadian couple Chris & Cal who were staying in Barcelona before heading to Dublin.Did a bit of shopping then caught the bus back to the site, by which time the site was filling up with Spanish as there was a local fiesta on the 23rd.

Camping estrella 3 Barcelona

 21st June 2013

Woke today by the sound of aircraft! When Derek said we were staying on a site near Barcelona airport for our flights to London , I didn't realise we would be camping at the end of the runway! We spent all day round the campsite doing some laundry and posting the blog, catching up on line.By the end of the Day we had become plane spotters we even could tell you where the planes were going as we were monitoring the departures at the airport. Hahaha.

Camping Estrella 3 Barcelona

20th June 2013

Spent the day relaxing on the ship cruising the Mediterranean to Barcelona,the sun was shining and the sea calm. We had a walk round the ship there were a few restaurants and bars, fitness centre and spa,casino, pool, and shop. This ship was more up to date than 'the pride of Bilbao '. Arrived at the campsite Barcelona about 7.45pm, went to the bar for a welcome to Spain,

Mini cruise Rome to Barcelona

19th June 2013

After another bacon butty!We finished packing everything up and cleaned the motorhome emptied the waste and topped up with fresh water and left the campsite at 11.00am and headed for Civitivechia ferry port to catch the ferry to Barcelona . When we arrived at the port it was only 1.00pm so we decided to look for a supermarket to get one or two bits so we could just go straight on to the pitch at Barcelona. We then parked up on a car park for a few hours till boarding. I had a cold shower cos it was really hot. At 10.15pm we boarded the ship,this was late as we should have sailed at 10.15 pm. We left the port about 11.30pm we stood on deck and said "ariverderci' and sailed out across the Mediterranean Sea under the moon light. There was a disco going on if we had wanted to go,however we retired to our room as it had been a long day and we were tired.

Camping Tiber Rome

18th June 2013

After a bacon butty! Had a lazy day round the campsite and did some washing, the temp today was 35 degrees! We also started to pack things ready for moving off. Mum flew back to the UK , we printed our boarding passes off for the flights to London. Spoke to mum to make sure she arrived home safely.

Camping Tiber Rome

 17th June 2013

We went to meet mum a bit later today about 11.45am and headed straight to the Roman Forum on the metro, it was only 2 stops from Termini. We bought mums ticket for the Leonardo express to the airport. Again it was a very hot day. In the Forum we saw the house of the vestal virgins ,arch de triton,the place where Julius Ceasar was cremated, the senate another arch. We then decided to go and have another look at the Trevi fountain. On the way we stopped for one last Italian ice- cream. We then had our last look at the Trevi fountain and made our way back to mums hotel. There we discussed her trip to Paris in a few weeks. We then went for a drink and our last Italian meal. We walked back to mums hotel said 'ariverderci ' and headed back to the campsite. We had a relax and reflected on our trip to Rome.

Camping Tiber Rome

 16th June 2013

Met mum at 11ish and caught the bus to the Vatican for our papal blessing but the pope never showed up!!! We then caught the bus to the Colosseum got our tickets which we had already booked so we didn't have to queue very long. Once inside it was amazing how intact it was and how big it was. It was also very hot!!! We took some pictures then walked to palatine hill the emperors palace for 300 years now its ruins of Rome. Then decided we were too shattered to go round the forum so we headed for clod drinks and reflection. After about an hour we caught the bus to the Hard Rock Cafe however on the way Derek insisted we went inside the capuchin crypt/ museum, so we went inside it was a very strange place lots of pictures of monks and artefacts then right at the end was the crypt under the chapel with lots of unburied monks ! All skulls in one pile, lots of thigh bones in another, pelvic bones in another, very strange . Then we proceeded to the Hard Rock Cafe for tea.

Camping Tiber Rome

15th June 2013

Had a bit of a lazy morning. We had arranged to meet mum at 12.00 today. We caught the metro to the Spanish steps and climbed to the top, then walked back down and continued along the street in front of the steps with lots of designer shops so we did a bit of window shopping. After the window shopping we walked to the Trevi fountain which was quite a surprise at how large and ornate it was, one tradition is to make three wishes with your back to the fountain and throw your coins in, so mum and I followed the tradition . We then walked down to the typewriter and the square where Mussolini did a speech and declared war on Britain and France. Had a drink in and Irish bar,Then we walked to piazza Argentina where Julius Ceaser was assassinated in 44 BC,then up to elefantino a Bernini statue then to the Pantheon to see Raffaels tomb. Then to piazza Navona then campo de fiori and the French embassy , then found a little bar for a few drinks, had our evening meal in another Italian restaurant and shared a bottle of  frascati. 'La Dolce vite' 

Camping Tiber Rome

Blog 14th June 2013

We set off to catch the 9.00am shuttle bus to discover there was a strike on the public transport in Rome which was a bit of a blow cos we had tickets for the Vatican museum, however we took a chance and carried on to the station. When we arrived at the station we were the only people on the platform , after a few minutes other people began to arrive so we were hopeful. Ten minutes later a train came so we got on, we got to Flamino station 18 mins later and caught the metro which was very quiet to Termini. We wondered what all the fuss was about. We met mum at her hotel and then proceeded to the Vatican again on the metro. Once we got to the Vatican we had a walk round and then picked the tickets up and went in the museum. Once inside we saw all the Roman sculptures and frescoes on the walls and ceilings, we stopped for a coffee in the gardens and then carried on in to the Sistine chapel again more frescoes and the most famous ceiling in the world, and the main feature Micheal Angelo's fresco the last judgement! We then sent postcards to ourselves from the Vatican and went into St. Peter's basilica the queue was long but it moved quickly. After we had a walk an stopped for clod drinks then got the metro back to the hotel. We had a pizza and bottle of "Est Est Est" at a restaurant next to the hotel. We then made our way back to the campsite however after we got the metro to Flamino station the trains were not running due to the strike so got a taxi back to the campsite. The taxi driver was entertaining talking about all the rock bands he had been to see ( Beatles,led zeppelin ,rolling stones etc).

Camping Tiber Rome

 13th June 2013

Had a lie and a lazy day in the sun round the site. At 4.00pm we caught the shuttle bus to the train station we were going to the airport to meet mum who was arriving at 7.00pm.We met mum at the arrivals gate and caught the fast train from the airport in to Termini station in the centre of Rome. Hotel Torino was only a 5 minute walk away where mum was staying we checked her in then went back to the campsite.

Colleferro to Camping Tiber

12th June 2013

We were up early after having not much sleep due to the other motorhome keeping us awake chatting and shouting well past 1.00am. That's what the Italians are like loud!!! We emptied the waste and topped up with water then on our way off the Aire we stopped at the back of the other motorhome and turned our music up loud as they were still in bed! Hope we woke them up. Then we left the Aire and headed for camping Tiber just outside Rome it was only an hours drive, however we got stuck in an Italian traffic jam which was quite amusing ,they do more lane dodging and going down the hard shoulder than we have ever seen ,never mind the sounding of there horns too. We arrived at camping Tiber and set up camp, had a walk round .

Pompeii to Collefero

 11th June 2013

Got up early today as we wanted to get packed up. As we were cleaning the van and tidying up I noticed a trail of ants in the front cab area.We had noticed a couple of ant during our stay on this site but not as many as I discovered in the cab. We need to buy a spray or ant killer.We left camping Zeus at Pompeii and headed north for a night stopover at Colleferro which was about two and a half hour drive. When we arrived there was one other motorhome parked up so we parked along side them.

Pompeil camping zeus

 10th June 2013

We have been on the road for 9 weeks now. Today we are going to the mouth of the Vesuvius !!! As it is our last day in Pompeil, we are heading back north tomorrow to Colleferro Aire. We caught the bus to half way up the Vesuvius then got a 4 x4 wagon and then had to walk 25 mins to the edge of the crater, it must of been a massive explosion ! There was steam coming from the side of the crater, it was also cloudy so was a bit mysterious and it did spoil the view of Pompeil and Naples. We collected some rocks as souvenirs. Our muscles were killing us after all the walking we had done over the last few days because all the places are very steep.

Pompeil

9th June 2013

Had another early start this morning, caught the train to Sorrento and then the bus to Amalfi . The bus ride from Sorrento took one and a half hours and the Amalfi drive road was very narrow and winding along the cliff side of the coast line, it was very spectacular with lots of houses built in to the cliff face with drops right in to the crystal blue sea. There were lots of boats along the shore line too. It was very picturesque with all the flowers. When we got to Amalfi we had a walk round and a bite to eat and drink. There was a lovely Duomo with a staircase in front going up to the entrance. We stopped for an ice cream then headed back for the bus back to Sorrento. Then the train back to the campsite. It was a long day but well worth the trip it's very special.

Pompeil

8th June 2013

We had an early start today! Caught the train to Sorrento then the ferry boat to the isle of Capri. When we got to Capri we had a walk along the harbour front and stopped for a drink and bruschetta, then we caught the bus to Capri town again very winding and narrow road to the top, when we arrived it was very picturesque with little narrow alleyways and exclusive hotels. After we had taken in the view and watched the world go by we decided to walk back down to the harbour. There was a little narrow alleyway with steps down to the harbour which took about 10mins, it was better to walk down than to walk up to Capri town. On the quayside  we had a coffee and cold drink, bought some limoncello glasses then headed for the ferry back to Sorrento . We got a lift up the rock face from the port to Sorrento centre had a little look round then headed for the train back to the campsite at Pompeil.

Pompeil camping zeus

 7th June 2013

Another lazy morning topping up the tan round the campsite. In the afternoon we caught the train to Naples ! Derek wanted to try a pizza from where it originated. We caught the train at 4.00pm from just outside the campsite it took about 20mins, the train was grotty and no aircon! We arrived in Naples at Garibaldi station and went to buy a map then went up the escalators in to total chaos!!! We caught a tram to what we thought was the right area for having a pizza however we must have been in the wrong part of town as it was very rough and had an edge to it so we got back on the tram and went to the end of the line hoping to fine something worth seeing, when we got there we saw a pizzeria so we went in and had our pizza, which I have to say was good. We then got back on the tram and back to the station to get the train back to Pompeil. The only good thing about the train journey was the med coastline and Capri on one side and the view of the Vesuvius on the other. Naples was the worst city we have been to since arriving in Italy, dissapointing to say the least.

Pompeil camping zeus

 6th June 2013

Had a lie in this morning then went to look at the ruins of  Pompeil which were only outside the gate of the campsite. We bought our tickets and with the lonely planet Italy in hand off we walked.We walked up an old Roman road to get to the top of the site which  was 2000 years old! It just looked like time stood still. 80,000 people lived here when they were killed by the ash from the erupting Vesuvius  Volcano and to put things in to perspective there are only 25,000 living in the new Pompeil now. There was a colosseum ,amphitheatre,a brothel ,snack bar and lots of houses lots of fresco paintings, just as they were all those years ago, we spent about 2 and a half hours walking round just taking it all it, amazing. We had an ice- cream and stopped at the supermarket on the way back to the campsite.

Cassino to Pompeil

 5th June 2013 

We left the Aire at Cassino at about 9.30am after saying goodbye to Paul and the other English couple. As we pulled off the Aire you could not see Montecassino due to the low cloud and morning haze, so it was a good job we took our photographs yesterday. It was an hour and a half drive to camping Zeus at Pompeil. The campsite was right next to the Pompeil Ruins. It took a while to manoeuvre the motorhome on to a pitch as there was not much room and Motorhomes and caravans were packed in like sardines. once on site we had a lazy afternoon doing the laundry and just relaxing. About 5ish we went for a walk and the train station was just outside the campsite for trains to Naples and Sorrento. We walked into Pompeil and went inside the Duomo which was very impressive,stopped for a local wine on the way back to the site.

Colleferro to Cassino

4th June 2013 

After a good nights sleep we got up had breakfast and emptied the waste and filled up with water and set off to Cassino. As we were driving down the motorway we passed more hill towns and the scenery was still very lush and green! As we approached Cassino we could see Montecassino on a hilltop. When we arrived at the Aire we discovered it was a nice neat little campsite at the foot of Montecassino. We went for a walk in to town and yet again the rain started! We stopped at a cafe for drinks and shelter from the rain then walked to the British cemetery , when we arrived there were other Brits there some young cadets who were supposed to be playing with there band at the abbey, but they found out it was closed. They kindly gave us a lift back to the main road and they were going up to the abbey. We then walked back to the motorhome stopping for a coffee and baguette on the way. When we got back to the motorhome the rain finally stopped! On the Aire we met a few Brits a couple who had toured Italy before and a man on his own called Paul. Early in the evening Paul joined us in our motorhome for some company so we opened our 5 litre bottle of Tuscany red and had a bit of a chat, funnily enough he was a retired police officer who worked for Northumberland Police, he had sold up and was living the dream in his new house ( motorhome). La dolce vita in Italy.

Tivoli to Colleferro

 3rd June 2013 

After a sleepless night on the Aire at Tivoli, we had a hasty exit about 9.30am as the car park was getting fuller and fuller and one car had parked that close behind us if Derek hadn't left a gap in front we would not have been able to move! However a mad Italian decided to park his little fiat 500 in front of us so Derek got out of the motorhome to confront him, with that we moved on straight away. We headed south to another Aire at Colleferro which was slightly better than last night! We parked up and went straight to bed cos we were shattered , the sun was shining and very soon the motorhome was boiling. Later in the afternoon we had a thunder storm. We by past Rome  as we headed south.

Camping Blu to Tivoli

 2nd June 2013 

Heavy rain during the night! Got up at 9.00am had breakfast got packed up then left the campsite about 12.00 noon, headed south to an Aire at Tivoli which is east of Rome. On the way we passed lots of hill towns and the landscape was still very green. The Aire at Tivoli was a bit neglected to say the least however it was along side a river! 

Bolsena camping Blu

1st June 2013

The rain woke us today about 9.30am.Another lazy day, the sun came out and we went for a bike ride in to the centre of Bolsena, to the bank and stopped for fresh bread on the way back. We decided it was good to recharge your batteries on a site for 4 nights before moving on again tomorrow. Had risotto with Chianti and sausage for tea at the restaurant on the campsite.