Beautiful Portofino.......

A view from the top

A view atop the main square in Nazare Portugal, Nazare Beach very popular during the European summer season

Enjoying an espresso break at a cafe on the island of Sardinia, pretty reasonably priced at 2 euros compared to 5 euros for a simple one shot espresso in Portofino.  The most reasonably priced espresso can still be found at any cafe in Portugal which on average can run you about 50 to 60 cents.

City of Lucca, Tuscan Treasure

The surrounding Tuscan countryside aside from Florence Italy has so many great cities and towns.  One such place is the city of Lucca and we tend to visit the popular tourist sites of Florence, Livorno, Pisa, but never really venture further into the Tuscan region.  Lucca is a walled city with fortress like walls that can be climbed for exceptional views of the city itself and surrounding area outside the walls. 

Padova (Padua Italy) a surprising treat, but how do I get there?

In one of my travels, I took my parents and some of their friends on the Brilliance of the Seas around the Mediterranean with stops in Rome, Naples, Florence, Venice, etc.  My Mom asked me while on our journey around Italy if we we even be close to Padua because she wanted to visit St. Anthony's Basilica.  Low and behold, Padua (Padova as it also goes by) is about 60 minutes away from Venice, but how to get there with a group of people.  I checked out sites on google and came across the local Italian transit called ACTV. 
From the mainland bus terminal in Venice, we purchased a return bus ticket for 6 euros 30 cents to the beautiful city of Padua.  We were told we could take a train into Padua, but would have to either take a cab or a bus into the centre Piazza.  As the ACTV bus is a much larger vehicle, the bus driver allowed us to get off before entering the bus terminal.  From where the bus driver let us off, we went back about 2 bus stops and caught the small Piazza bus which costs 1 euro 50 cents and took us right close to the main Piazza square.  The square itself is a wonderful site with many cafes, shops and an inviting place to relax and enjoy the breathtaking scenery.