Crete supposed to have been my last 4 days but due to flights, ferries and purely bad planning (more like the lack of) I am here ahead of schedule. The good thing is I can make the most of it and see more of this very warm southern Greek Island. 

I am staying in Heroklion for the next 4 nights which is the main city here in Crete. I have only been here for a few hours and had to do it via Athens (sleepover in the airport) and then a early morning flight out to Heraklion.  So far, 36 degrees, blue skies, perfect beach and as usual lovely friendly locals.

Going exploring tomorrow so will seawhathappens

After a 11 hour ferry journey from Bali, Italy I was in Corfu. Staying in Corfu town which is situated about 10 minutes from the Port and about the same distance from the airport. I’m here for 5 nights so should have plenty of time to see the sights. The Old Town of Corfu is very pretty and steeped in acient history. There is also the usual shops, restaurants, cafes and not forgetting the infamous frozen Greek yogurt bars. 

Only a 5 minute walk from my hotel and I’m on the beach! What more can you want ….  

After a pleasant 4 hour train journey from Caserta to Bari and finding my accommodation in record time, I was pleased that I chose to stay in the City rather than down in the Port for my last night here in Italy. Pleasantly surprised, not sure why I should be but Bari has everything you want and need in a holiday resort plus more. 

Beautiful ancient architecture, although some had its share of Grafitti which really ruined that historical flavour!  It possibly matched almost every designer shop in Milan (well almost), lovely beaches and a great variety of cafe and restaurants to chose from. Oh yes, and it has a Port … which is where I’ll be off to tomorrtow. This is where Italy ends! 

I chose Caserta purely because it was en route from Napoli to my final destination of Italy! One night here, just enough time to see the Caserta Palace! Definitely worth the visit. 12€ well spent. The grounds were immense! I had to hire a bike just to get around them. There was alot of restoration work taking place both in and outside of the Palace but there was so much to see that it certainly didnt make a difference to your visit. 

Tomorrow, last leg in the boot of Italy …  

What a beautifully fragrant island. Shoppers paradise … for all the right reasons .. not your usual designer, bag, purfume retailers but lots of bespoke little gems which you dont see on the high street, in fact no high street, tiny little narrow lanes lined with beautiful little quirky shops, bars, restaurants and icecream bars! 

Lemon is the flavour of Sorrento and I managed to sample the 30% alcoholic lemon drink! I also strode around the Lemon Grove where these giant fruits harvest and then made into all the delicious drinks, oils, sweets, desserts and anything else you can infuse.

Shame I have only a short time here. Back on the road tomorrow! To where? 

 Clue, this place is the capital of the province in the Campania region of Italy. 

The ferry to Sorrento wasnt untill early evening which gave me a few more hours to see a little more of Naples. Not my favourite city to be honest, not the cleanest and certainly not the friendliest but I did have a walk round the castle which sits on the sea front. You can get some fantastic views of the city and the great volcano! 

I suppose I got to see wonderful Herculaneum, the great horseback ride up the volcano and I couldnt fault The Hostel In The Sun. 

Arrived in Sorrento at 7.30 this evening and as soon as we hit the little Port I felt very chilled out. More about Sorrento tomorrow!  

This may have been one of the highlights so far … seeing the remains of a small town that was completely hidden under Mount Veduvius that erupted around 79AD (correct me if I’m wrong on that date). What was more amazing is what is left …hard to believe that after so long you can still see some of the wall paintings. What does stir your thoughts are the skeletons that remain in the boat holdings. These poor people must have thought that they had a chance there! 

On a lighter note, the horse ride up to Mount Vesuvius was awesome! 

Tomorrow, Clue – Limincello is an Italian liquor  which is produced in this town.  

A bus, 2 trains, 1 metro ride and 10 minutes on foot bought me to The Sun Hostel in Naples. Not had a lot of time to really explore the city as yet but took a walk down to the coast and enjoyed a Napolo special Pizza … had to be done but couldn’t finish it! Definitey for sharing! 

Top marks for the Hostel though …  even though its on the 7th floor! 

That’s all until tomorrow … doing something really exciting! Follow me to seawhathappens  

Re- charged in Rimini! Another day in Paradise … lounging by the pool, beach walking, nice Italian food and wine with copious amounts of sunshine! Done! Oh, and I saw some Italian black swans waltzing about tonight! 

To evaluate my stay in Rimini I would say the following:-

• Lovely Beaches
• Fantastic sunsets
• Warm waters
• No Brits!

Where next? Clue … This City was Italy’s most bombed in the Second World War!  

… and still enjoying the blue sky and temperatures in the late 20’s! Spent the whole day in and around the pool today … cooling off and building up my tan. Very relaxing … finished a book that I started yesterday! Had Calzone for dinner then watched the International Festival in the Square! Very colourful, entertainers from all over the world singing, dancing and playing music in their national costumes.  My last day here tomorrow … recharged for my next Leg of the Italian tour … where next … seawhathappens …