Bari – Italy

Nothing too strenuous in Bari. Just a mere 9 k’s. Off the ship, along the wharf and we had walked to the old town. Maybe there’s some Italian in Ruthie as she immediately started hand gesturing towards me. I think she likes it. The small little lanes with their produce, souvenir and coffee bars really appealed. If you looked up, the washing was flying in the breeze from balconies. We had to duck the locals who didn’t seem to slow down on their bicycles or mopeds in the narrow lanes.

We did our own walking tour and managed to find most of the landmarks. Forts, churches, basilicas, castles, palaces and museums. One church in particular (San Nicola) had an interesting history and it is believed that the original Santa (St Nicholas) who inspired the Santa Claus legend is buried here. To think this is just the start…….

I have read that Bari is one of Italy’s best kept secrets and is in the heel of Italy in the Puglia region! We only had a small taste but could easily come back to explore more. I have heard the other side of the island has high cliffs and is very picturesque.

The food and coffee aromas overcame us and we stopped at a coffee bar. We were told the wine is delicious and a higher % alcohol content but we were craving coffee. It was a great people watching area. The temperature was a balmy 30 degrees and I could have stayed in the shade until aperitivo time but unfortunately the ship would have sailed without me.

Ravenna- Bicycles, Mosaics and Canals

The Ravenna port is just over 2 hours away from the city of Venice. We have been to Venice before and chose to explore Ravenna city instead. The ships shuttle bus was charging US$18 (AUS $30) return. Us two old adventurers or is that tightarses chose to take the public bus ($8) into Ravenna instead. It was nice to know we weren’t the only cruisers who caught the public bus.

With my trusty map in hand we managed to tick off most of the highlights without too many arguments. I am not even going to try to describe what we saw as I think the old saying applies, “you had to be there!”

The mosaic works are outstanding. Buildings from the 5th century are still standing!!! The food is amazing, the coffee is so great, the wine excellent.

Trieste

Trieste is one of Italy’s most cosmopolitan cities featuring neoclassical buildings. We easily found our way to the heart of the city, Piazza Unita, a large city square surrounded by buildings with statues of Roman gods looking down as if guarding us!

There were a multitude of eateries and cafes to choose from and what seems to have become our Italian tradition is to start with coffee. Being in the north-eastern part of Italy it is known for its unique blend of Italian, Austrian, and Slovenian influences due to its historical ties with the Austro-Hungarian Empire and its proximity to Slovenia. That’s why it made sense to have Apple strudel and cream with our coffee. Well that’s my excuse anyway.

After exploring the immediate area, we caught the hop on hop off bus to take us a bit further out of town

Features were a 3rd century BC Roman amphitheater. Considering the age, it was still in very good condition. The other highlight was the Castello di Miramare, a 19th-century castle overlooking the Gulf of Trieste.

Combining Italian, Austrian, and Slovenian influences, Trieste is also known as the city of 1000 faces or even little Vienna.

Perhaps this is why Ruthie chose a Hungarian goulash gnocchi for dinner paired with a local Chardonnay.