Today we arrived in La Spezia Italy! This is our first tendered port and it was quite nice to take the tender boat in as opposed to docking. Not quite as convenient at the end of your day, but it was a nice boat ride into the port.
La Spezia is a beautiful port city, streets lined with palms and sprinkled with parks. We did not have quite as early a morning today as yesterday in Rome, we met our excursion group at 8:15. After grouping and then the tender ride in, we boarded our bus for about an hour drive to Pisa, and a view of the most recognizable landmark in Italy, the leaning tower.
We arrived in Pisa and had a short walk over to the tower. We crossed thru the gates into the court area where the tower stands, and were immediately taken by beauty and magnificence of the buildings there. The first is the baptistery, the largest in the world. The next is St. Mary’s Cathedral, and finally the Leaning Tower of Pisa itself. It really is striking to stand so close to something so marvelous that you have seen in pictures all your life.
Today this was all we chose to do “officially” particularly after our LONG day in Rome yesterday, so we were headed back to the ship by 12:30.
After lunch, a short break, download pictures and catch up on some email, we were in need of something to do…. how about rest I thought, (did I mention our Rome day was long?) but Leslie knew there was shopping in La Spezia. She couldn’t convince Sarah to go, even though it was her birthday, she was too tired to shop!
So I was the closest victim 😉 Next thing I knew, I was on a tender heading for the shopping district. I must admit, it was a very nice respite walking thru the area and taking in all the local shops and people. We have found the Italian people to be so friendly and helpful. Much different than last year in Paris. After a little shopping Leslie was ready for ice cream. We found a neat Gelateria here. Three scoops for 2 euro, the cheapest 😉 and by far the best yet, and the friendliest shopkeepers, or gelati scoopers, or whatever they call themselves. We shared a 3 scoop cup of Melone, something Italian Mango, and Strawberry, but it was in Italian too, but we recognized the picture. Much less creamy and more fruity than the others we’ve tried, and we are becoming authorities on Gelati.
Hey, find a niche and become an expert, it’s worked for me so far.
From the Disney Brochure:
From the Italian Renaissance to the Italian Riviera, the art of Masters to the art of Enzo Ferrari, this port of call offers a variety of experiences. Sandwiched between the hills and the sea, La Spezia historically offered a defensive advantage, reflected in the number of Genoese castles that stud the hills. And, although best known as a naval base, La Spezia is an elegant and surprisingly modern city. As well as museums and libraries housing works of art from 4,000 BC to the present day, here are contemporary buildings, including the new Kennedy shopping center on the edge of town.
The Public Gardens were created in the early 19th century and lead onto the Promenade, which offers a spectacular view across the Gulf, crowned by the sight of the Apuan Alps and the hills sweeping gracefully down the sea.
La Spezia lies at the doorstep of Florence, Pisa and Tuscany, and is famous for fine art, wines and a rich period of creativity and splendor. Feed your body, heart and soul in this very special part of Italy.
