We Still Didn't Drink All The Vino: Mai Tai Tom's 2018 Return To Italy

[maitaitom]

Hi there. I think some of you on this site know me from Fodors and the old Slow Travel. If you don't know me, your luck has just ended. I was told about the site this morning from Shannon, who said some people might be interested in my current Italy (with a brief stop in London) trip report. My wife Tracy (along with friends Kim and Mary) traveled to Milan, Bologna (side trips to Padova and Ravenna), La Morra in Piemonte wine region, Turin and San Guilio d'Orta in September and October. I can't say we traveled slowly, but we did stop to smell the vino along the way. My website also has lot of photos ... all the good ones were shot by Kim and Tracy. I'll update when I post a new day. Nice to meet up with old friends and finding new ones. I'll start perusing the site later. I hope I did this correctly.

https://travelswithmaitaitom.com/italy-2018/

 

[Shannon]

I'm so glad you joined and posted your report here Tom. I love your trip reports!

 

[maitaitom]

Thanks Shannon ... nice to be here. How do I subscribe to your blog? Happy Thanksgiving!

https://travelswithmaitaitom.com/

 

[Shannon]

I don't write in my blog anymore.. but I am thinking about a new blog. If I do start one I will put it in my signature here.

 

[maitaitom]

We made it to Bologna. Here is Day One in Bologna.

https://travelswithmaitaitom.com/chapter-five-hustling-bustling-bologna/

 

[jan]

Glad to see you here, Tom.

 

[maitaitom]

Thanks Jan. Here is our second day in Bologna, which included the very interesting Teatro Anatomico.

https://travelswithmaitaitom.com/chapter-five-hustling-bustling-bologna/

 

[maitaitom]

I've made more than 20 trips to Europe, and this day in Ravenna is about as memorable as any I have experienced. The mosaics are simply unbelievable. I hope you enjoy. Thanks.
https://travelswithmaitaitom.com/chapter-nine-the-marvelous-mosaics-of-ravenna/

 

[maitaitom]

Have you ever gone White Truffle hunting? With our new friend Nira (don't tell Frankie & Remi), a cute Brittany Spaniel, we headed for the hills near Alba, Italy, in search of this expensive (and delicious) food item. Come join us!
https://travelswithmaitaitom.com/chapter-eleven-dogging-it-while-tracking-truffles/

 

[maitaitom]

Here's our next couple of days exploring Piemonte, now my favorite part of Italy. It was two days of exploring some great hill towns, vineyards and a surprising stop at a most Poplar spot.

https://travelswithmaitaitom.com/chapter-twelve-the-hills-are-alive-with-the-smell-of-vino/

https://travelswithmaitaitom.com/chapter-thirteen-the-ups-and-downs-and-ups-of-piemonte/

 

[Sewadee]

We really like Bologna. Your report has me making reservations for next month

 

[jan]

Loved the report on Bovio. Thos magic moments!

 

[PokeyMindy]

MaiTaiTom, I can't wait to read your latest reports. I still laugh when I think about you referring to the Chianti SS222 road as the "Karen Valentine Highway". One of the best lines ever.

Mindy (Pokey)

 

[maitaitom]

PokeyMindy - " I still laugh when I think about you referring to the Chianti SS222 road as the "Karen Valentine Highway". I was just watching a football game the other day where they mentioned Karen Valentine and Room 222. Ah memories, Here are our first two days i wonderful Turin.

Sewadee, Bologna was wonderful.
Jan - Yes, Magic moments indeed! Our Bovio meal was incredible!

https://travelswithmaitaitom.com/chapter-fifteen-to-everything-turin-turin-turin/
https://travelswithmaitaitom.com/chapter-sixteen-touring-turin/

 

[Rebecca]

Haha! I had forgotten about the Karen Valentine Highway. If I remember correctly, you’re also the reason I was able to tell my husband how to put the car in reverse the first time we drove in Italy.

 

[maitaitom]

+you’re also the reason I was able to tell my husband how to put the car in reverse the first time we drove in Italy."

Yep, that was us. "Pull up on the ring" has been on my mind for 14 years.

 

[maitaitom]

Our last day in Turin included a trip up the hill on a cog railway to the landmark Basilica di Superga. Thanks to a string of events, the four of us got to do what few are allowed at the basilica. https://travelswithmaitaitom.com/chapter-seventeen-surprise-at-the-basilica/

 

[maitaitom]

Today we move from Turin to Orta San Giulio via a Savoy Royal palace. The location of our B&B in Orta was magical.
https://travelswithmaitaitom.com/chapter-eighteen-a-slice-of-heaven-in-orta-san-giulio/