Europe 2010

Day 19		Thursday 8th July

We drove to Soave and found a car park. The restoration of the gatehouse and town walls appeared to be completed. We walked up to the castle entrance only to find it closed until Saturday. We then walked down to a different town entrance and found a bar in which to have a cold drink. After a short exploration of the town we returned to the car and continued on towards the hot springs nearby. We found one set of Terme which seemed to be very busy, looking at all the cars in the car park. We continued to drive back towards Vicenza. We failed to find an Aliper supermarket, despite advertising hoardings along the way, so we returned to the Aliper at Ponte di Barbarano near the Palazzo Rosso. After lunch at the Palazzo, we lazed by the pool until dinner. After dinner, a quick trip to the gelateria at Lumignano was required before drinks on the terrace with Phil and Sylvie (our hosts) and other guests in the apartments.  

Miles travelled today – 77					Total trip miles – 1968

Day 20		Friday 9th July

A rest and domestic day before moving on. The car was washed and vacuumed at the garage down the road. Washing and ironing were done. We did manage a trip into Vicenza to take some more photos and an excellent icecream. Then relaxing by and in the pool before dinner at a local pizzeria in Lumignano; it also does proper meals besides pizzas. 

Miles travelled today – 21					Total trip miles – 1989

Day 21		Saturday 10th July

We went to do some local shopping this morning at the cantina and Aliper after we had vacated the apartment. The rest of the morning and early afternoon were spent lazing by the pool. It was very hot and sunny. We packed up and left for the airport at 3.45pm. Having dropped Alex and Lia off at the airport we were back at Palazzo Rosso by just after 5.30pm. After bidding Phil and Sylvie goodbye, we rejoined the motorway and drove to a pleasant hotel in Desenzano near the lake. We booked in and then walked down to look at the lake where there had been boat races of some kind. This was followed by dinner in town. Parking was very difficult as there was a festa by the shore which meant all the car parks were full. We found a rustic sort of a bar where we could eat at a reasonable cost. Many of the places on the main street wanted to only do a full tourist menu at €20 or more.

Miles travelled today  - 166					Total trip miles - 2155