22 Lug. - 08 Ago 2011 Italia Slovenia Austria on the road. Photos

[charlyno]

REPORT
22/07/2011 - Palermo-Civitavecchia (via ship) - Finally we go! After delays and indecision came the big moment. To 18.00 after the final preparations to the bike with my wife Laura leave home. With the unbearable heat we cross the short distance leading to the port. We embark immediately and placed the luggage in the cabin we go on deck to say goodbye to Sicily. Fortunately, a gentle breeze cools the air. The ship slowly leaving the harbor on our faces and the enthusiasm of a vacation just started.
23/07/2011 - Civitavecchia-Assisi-Spoleto-Vetralla (km 183) - A gray sky threatening and welcoming our arrival in the port of Civitavecchia. Disembark immediately and saw that the weather does not promise anything good rain wear immediately. A few miles and it begins to rain. The scenery along the road is really nice, unfortunately the rain did not allow us to appreciate it fully. In short we come in Vetralla where we have an appointment with his friend Fred is waiting for us in front of the bar of the country. We have met in Sicily, but since he lives nearby has decided to join us for a coffee. We are a good half hour chatting with him about this and that and the course of our travel destinations. The weather is still acting up and a light drizzle makes us the company to the entrance of the town of Spoleto, where we stop for a photo on the beautiful view of the city. At last the sun began to peep through the clouds and it is time to put aside the rain. In short, we arrive at our destination today, the city of Assisi. We booked a room at the Hotel La guida di Assisi per il pellegrino, il turista, il viaggiatore. Cosa vedere ad Assisi in mezza giornata, una giornata od in piu giorni. Rocca Hotel la Rocca Assisi, hotels Assisi, Two-star hotels in central Assisi in a quiet location a short walk from the Cathedral of San Rufino and complete with a garage for motion. Just enough time to place your luggage in the room and we are already way to immerse ourselves in the unique historic center. Every corner, square or alley is a masterpiece of art. Our tour starts right from the beautiful Cathedral of San Rufino. After running the length and breadth finally we reach the most important monument to the Basilica of San Francesco. We are literally kidnapped by the colors of the magnificent frescoes inside. Even more surprisingly, the Lower Basilica, which houses the mortal remains from the 1230 San Francisco, attracts thousands of pilgrims from all over the world.




After the visit, including the museum inside it, a brief snack nearby. We have seen almost everything there was to see, except for the ancient castle, La Rocca Maggiore was built in 1367.



The superb views of Assisi and the surrounding area pays for the hard hike to get here. Meanwhile phone you decide on a place of encounter with Gabriel and his wife, whom I know only of Gubbio motorcyclists on the web and with Michelangelo di Prato, met in 2004 on the ship to Tallinn in Estonia and found by accident that I was surfing on my website . The meeting in front of the Cathedral of San Rufino is like that between friends who have known each other long, friendly, affectionate, playful.
What better way to celebrate the meeting with a good dinner of local delicacies at Osteria Pozzo della Mensa ristorante, osteria, Pozzo della Mensa, Ristorante Assisi, mangiare Assisi, Assisi, piatti tipici, cucina, risrorante centro assisi. The evening passes pleasantly in conversation, laughter and a good glass of red, Villa Fidelia Spartoletti very popular in the area and also by us! After dinner a digestive stroll through the historic center to the Basilica.
Greeted the friends back at the hotel.
24/07/2011 - Assisi-Gubbio-Gorges-Urbino-Furlo Montesoffio-Peglio Paganico-Pieve di Carpegna Fratte-Catholic-Forli (km 269) The day is not bad, indeed at times the sun's . We have breakfast in the hotel bar and we start taking the bike in the direction of Gubbio by SS444. The road is very beautiful, surrounded by greenery and along the way we pass many small villages truly amazing. The weather has deteriorated and does not promise anything good. We come soon to Gubbio Principali Monumenti - Gubbio - Turismo e Cultura - 40 Martyrs Square in the lower part of the city, where we park the bike right in front of the arcade shooters of the Lodges.
Greeted the friends back at the hotel.Gabriel and his wife live here met the day before Assisi, and that today there will be the guide for a brief visit to the city. With an elevator going up at the top to reach the Piazza Grande with the splendid Palazzo dei Consoli. A few steps from the meeting with Gabriel and Valeria in their garage intent to prepare the bike for their next trip to the North Cape in Norway. From there we get their company up to the magnificent Duomo and the Palazzo Ducale. Unfortunately the time available is not much. We descend back into the lower part of the city through beautiful streets and alleys of the old town, until reaching the ruins of the Roman Theatre. Just the time to look and starts to pour. We take the opportunity to eat something good at the Trattoria Antico Frantoio Ristorante Pizzeria All'Antico Frantoio continues to rain, so wear the rain and greeted friends Gabriel and Valeria we move on. Following their advice we pass from Furlo Gorge, a canyon located along the original route of the Via Flaminia, where this tract along the river Candigliano in the province of Pesaro-Urbino. The road is very beautiful and the lake formed by the construction of the dam makes it all the way more picturesque. We go from Urbino, just a photo stop at the walls and go to San Leo. The navigation system as if to show me the most beautiful places in the area, continues to tell a series of roads through beautiful landscapes.
The weather has improved greatly and returned to the sun to shine. Through small remote countries, Montesoffio Peglio Paganico, Pieve di Carpegna, just to name a few up to lick the Republic of San Marino. The short time available to us to desist from reaching St. Leo, recommended by Gabriel, we expect to arrive at Forli, where there is the cousin Octavius ​​and his family have not seen for many years. So we returned to the coast from the highway up Catholic in Forlì. Here we will be guests of Octavius, whom I thank warmly for their hospitality and for letting us spend some pleasant moments in their company. After a good dinner, a walk by night for the digestive center of the city.

Today was a very full day, it's time to sleep!
to be continued

[charlyno]

25/07/2011 - Forlì-Aquileia (km 335) - Today is a beautiful sunny day. After a good breakfast, with Octavius ​​and his family make a leap into the old town of Forli La citta' di Forlì: I MONUMENTI, an evening stroll yesterday I was very intrigued. Parked the car we go to the beautiful town square where the beautiful Town Hall and opposite the beautiful Abbey of St Mercurial with its magnificent tower. The brief tour ends at the cathedral whose interior impresses with its wealth and splendid works of art. Time is short so go home and placed the bike salute Ottavio and his family and we share in the direction of Aquileia along the highway for 335 km. We arrive early afternoon in town where we booked a room at the B & B "Storianatura" http://www.storiaenatura.com/ run by Charles and wife Denise, whose warm welcome is a good reason for choosing this structure. A charming place with a large garden in the countryside a few steps from the archaeological zone. After a brief chat and wear something more comfortable, we are going to walk to the center. Even here we have an appointment with Mark, another motorcyclist from the web and I know that there will be a little 'as guide for the day today. The meeting was friendly and cordial as often happens among riders. The city of Aquileia AQUILEIA was founded by the Romans in 181 BC and soon thanks to a great river port and its military power became one of the most important cities of the Roman Empire. Our visit starts right from the beautiful port in which there are still the imposing remains of wharves and stores. But the highlight of the city of Aquileia, a good part of which still must be brought to light, is the magnificent Basilica whose origins date back to 313 AD What immediately strikes coming inside is the wonderful mosaic floor of the fourth century, which shows with great vividness of color and fantasy scenes of hunting, fishing, daily life. It literally spellbound. In addition, the Basilica houses countless works of art from every era and history. At the exit of the fourth century the great Baptistery next to the Basilica and the large 73 m high tower built by Popone in the thousands and which offers a magnificent view over the lagoon of Grado and all over. And then the Great Mausoleum, the place of the Roman houses, in short, a dip in the distant past but that still fascinates and involves everyone who visits this beautiful town. After visiting with his friend Mark you stop at the local bar for a good cold drink. After the welcome return to the B & B. My wife Laura is very tired and fatigued by the great heat and rest but I prefer a shower after I take a short stroll to the nearby restaurant 'The Shed' to enjoy a good plate of pasta with seafood and a fried mixed just for good measure!
26/07/2011 - Aquileia-Grado-Trieste-Monastery of Hrastovlje (Slovenia)-Piran (km 130) - The day started really well with the breakfast that Mrs. Denisa abbondatissima prepared. After a photo in the garden of the hotel is near Trieste, now enters Slovenia. We cross the wonderful Grado lagoon and then through the coastal road heading towards Trieste Portale di Trieste: notizie e informazioni su musica, spettacoli, cultura, natura, animali, sport, vacanze e tempo libero.. The view of the coastline is magnificent. In short we come in the beautiful Piazza Unità d'Italy, overlooking the majestic sea. The place is lovely, with beautiful buildings that embellish and give it a unique and enchanting. Here we meet again another motorcyclist place Alexis, with whom we spend half an hour chatting in one of the many local cafes. Unfortunately, we are just passing through and we can not investigate the visit. We take the bike and soon we come finally to Slovenia SLOVENIA.IT tutte le informazioni sulla Slovenia - Homepage - Slovenia - Official Travel Guide - holiday, vacation, tourism in Slovenia, Slowenien, Slovénie, Eslovenia, Slovenija from Muggia to travel for short 23 km to reach the spectacular Monastery Hrastovlje. This small Romanesque church of Karst surrounded by medieval walls, turrets, decorated inside with beautiful frescoes of the fifteenth century. well worth a visit. Built between the twelfth and fourteenth centuries. the outside is very simple but its interior is an explosion of colors for its magnificent frescoes by Giovanni narrative of Kastav in 1490. The frescoes represent a kind of Bible that enabled the poor who could not read to understand the episodes of the Old Testament, the Passion of Christ and the lives of the saints. What is most striking and famous cycle of "Dance of Death" 11 skeletons and lead to a freshly dug grave as many people of various ranks, including the figure of a wealthy merchant who tries to bribe Death itself with gold coins . The message is one: we are all equal in the face of God, had importance beyond the mundane world! Very impressive. Back on the bike soon arrive in the beautiful town of Piran, where we find accommodation in B & B's Miracle Sea Bed and Breakfast - Miracolo Di Mare - Accomodation in Piran into the historic center and a yard to park the bike in peace. With its beautiful Venetian Gothic architecture in the old town is a real gem. Let us start immediately to explore this magical place. The day was magnificent. The church of St. Peter's, the Venetian House, the Palace of Justice, the lesser monasteries, the Church of St. Francis of Assisi, St. George's Cathedral and the old city wall from which you can enjoy a superb panorama of the whole the town and the nearby coast. Along the pier, a sunset amazing than you "forced" to follow the sun with his eyes until his death on the horizon when the sky s'infuoca red and fills the soul with infinite emotion. It was dinner time and made our choice goes to the Restaurant "Galeb" overlooking the sea to the east of the lighthouse. A family run hotel offers excellent local cuisine at reasonable prices. After dinner, I remember the number of cell. Slovenia met a guy on one of the forum on the occasion of the preparations for my trip. I call and to my surprise he just finished work and is located 10 minutes from Piran and is happy to meet us. Shortly after arriving with his bike. Sebastian is a very helpful and friendly with him and spend a pleasant evening with a beer, proposing to meet in Ljubljana, where he lives with his wife and son.
27/07/2011 - Piran Lipica-Stables-Caves-Skocjan Predjiama Castle (km130) Another nice sunny day welcomes our awakening. The breakfast in the beautiful garden of the B & B deserves to whether the choice of this structure. We start in the direction of Lipica Lipica 1580 - Attualità, famous for the Lipizzaner horse breed called, the white mantle, raised since the end of XVI for the Riding School of Vienna. Pending the opening for the visits will take the opportunity to have lunch at a nearby restaurant. The guided tour is very interesting to the stables and see the instructors work with these beautiful horses is very exciting. We continue the bike through beautiful landscapes and arrive at one of the most beautiful places in Slovenia, Skocjan Caves, Unesco World Heritage Site. Le Grotte di �kocjan, Slovenia - Patrimonio mondiale. The guided tour along the path of 3 km for about two hours seems a dip in one of the pages of "Journey to the Center of the Earth" by Jules Verne! What is most striking is the magnitude of these caves. The best part is the arrival to the Cave of Whispers walls with another 100 meters where we cross the bridge Cerkevnik with its 45 meters high is the most exciting part of the entire path. After the visit we stop at the bar to rest a bit 'of the long walk and then set off for our final destination today, Castle Predjiama Castello di Predjama - I castelli - Slovenia - Official Travel Guide -. The road that leads to the castle through magnificent forests and breathtaking landscapes. The castle which dates back to 1202 is one of the most picturesque and not only in Slovenia and is mainly characterized by being built into a natural cave. The result is something amazing. We arrive in time to visit its interior, with its splendid halls, wet and a disturbing secret hiding place on top of the castle of Erazem Tana said. After the visit starts pioviginare and because enough has been done later decide to stay overnight at the picturesque Inn Gostilna Pozar 20 meters before the ticket office. We dine on the terrace of the castle with an amazing view. The castle is illuminated at night creating an atmosphere with different COLoR sublime. What a magical place!
TO BE CONTINUED....

[adventure]

So much beautiful photographs charlyno in a lot of beautiful place and villages .

Keep going and continued us traveling my friend.

[Jefe]

Jefe

[panagiotis.farmer]

:sm5:

[charlyno]

28/07/2011 - Predjiama-Mines-Kobarid-Bovec Idrjia (km 135) Today the weather is not the best. After a hearty breakfast we depart towards Idrjia. Through roads we arrive at the destination. The city of Idrjia became famous since 1500 for the extraction of mercury, which soon turned into a small village in a rich city. We are here to visit the "Pozzo di Antonio" La galleria Antonijev rov - Miniera di mercurio Idrija - I musei e le gallerie d'arte - Slovenia - Official Travel Guide - that the old mine, which has become a very interesting museum. Pending the start we take a guided tour around the square and the imposing castle on the hill near Gewerkenegg. Worn helmet and jacket, after watching a movie about 20 minutes that tells a little 'history begins in our tour of the mine. Before going down into the well are exchanged, as usual the greeting "Srecno" (good luck) the traditional greeting of the miners. Back on the bikes we start towards what has been one of the landmarks of World War I best known as Kobarid Kobarid. On 24 October 1917 the Austro-Hungarian and German forces settled down to 17 days of bloody fighting that left hundreds of thousands of men and that led to the defeat of Italian troops. Here is located the Kobarid Museum Muzej 1. svetovne vojne Kobarid through images and historical artifacts of the time also explains in great moments of the terrible experiences of war on both fronts. across 203 the road through the valley of Soca arrive in the beautiful town of Bovec, a place particularly attractive with the Julian Alps on the one hand, the Soca river bottom and around the Triglav National Park is an ideal place for those who want to play outdoor activities of all kinds. Found accommodation in a private facility we go to the small town square, where we will have dinner at a traditional restaurant Hram Martinov, famous for the dishes are venison, trout and mushrooms. A real treat!












29/07/2011 - Bovec-Pas-Vrsic-Bled Kranjska Gora (km 85) - A welcome sunshine in our wake. We have breakfast at the nearby Hotel Alp for only 6 Euro breakfast buffet offers a truly remarkable. Prepared the bike and greeted the cute signo which manages the pension we start across the road 206 it the heart of the Triglav National Park. The road passes through forests and sublime landscapes. All around the Julian Alps in their majesty. The road through a series of coming back to pitch in 1611 Vrsic mt. An extraordinary place where we stop to enjoy the fresh air and a good coffee with a spectacular view of the surrounding mountains. Going down to Kranjska Gora we stop to visit the Russian Chapel, a beautiful wooden church erected in place in March 1916 over 400 Russian prisoners of war who were building the road were killed and buried alive by an avalanche. Immediately after the Jasna lake whose waters reflect the sky in a very suggestive. The statue on the banks of the old "Zlatorog" chamois with golden horns. In short we come in one of the most beautiful countries of Slovenia is due to its location on the shores of a lake for both the picturesque castle that overlooks the mountains, the charming Bled. Are placed at a nice guesthouse with a lot of motorcycle parking and a room large and clean. Just enough time to wear something more comfortable, and after about 10 minutes we reach just below the imposing Bled Castle, built around the eleventh century. . A beautiful medieval fortress, with towers, ramparts, moats and a terrace offering a spectacular view over the lake, especially now that the weather is on our side. After the visit we descend on the shores of the lake where a small rowing boat with a crossing of about 20 minutes we reach the island of Bled. Beautiful built in 1655, the monumental staircase leading to the Church of the Assumption of the seventeenth century. Beside a bell tower with a bell of "desires", which needs to play three times so you realize. We have proven ourselves and needless to say that the bell sounds almost the whole day! Back on dry land, began our leisurely walk of about two and a half hours running around the track for the full circumnavigation of the lake. The sun is now setting gives us the unforgettable moments with amazing views over the lake and the island. Today was truly a day full of satisfaction and we are so tired that filiamo straight at home for a shower and some rest '.
TO BE CONTINUED

[charlyno]

30/07/2011 - Laz-Bled-Ribev Ukanc-Falls-Savica Skofja Loka-Ljubljana (km 130) - After a delicious breakfast in the dining room of the guesthouse we start across the street on their way to Lake Bohinj 209. The road follows the river all the way at every turn Savica giving us an extraordinary spectacle.
In short we come in small Ribcev Laz at the confluence between the Savica and Lake Bohinj. Just past the bridge, the spectacular Church of Saint John the Baptist. Dating back to medieval times, with a beautiful and extraordinary wall frescoes inside, is one of the most beautiful churches in Slovenia, after that of Hrastovje visited previously.
But our real goal is the Waterfall Savica Cascata Savica - Le perle della natura - Slovenia - Official Travel Guide - one of the main highlights of the Julian Alps. The road from the lake reaches the entrance of the falls is extraordinarily beautiful, nestled in the woods. Along the way we stop to visit another small fortified church. Parked the bike, after a pleasant walk of about 20 minutes in the woods, finally here they are before our eyes. The jump of about 60 meters into a deep gorge make them particularly attractive. At the back of the car park on the square, we stopped at the local inn for a good lunch of ćevapčići dish made with ground beef, spiced differently. We leave to the next destination, Skofia Loka. 909 km from the road after a few we take the 403 and the surprise here. The first few miles are unpaved, and we believe it is a short distance. But it will not, we will do less than 42 km of dirt road in the middle of the forest. A strikingly handsome and a dirt path near perfect. A few kilometers from the paved road begins to rain, so wear the rain and walk the last 15 km up to torrential rain Skofia Loka. Raining heavily so I take the opportunity to sit at the bar for a coffee in the square just below the castle. After about 20 minutes it stops raining and so we take advantage to visit the historic city center and its beautiful castle. Insufficient just 25 km from the capital named after his friend Sebastian, whom we met in Piran, we come short in the city, where we will be hosted for two nights at his house. I take this opportunity to thank him and his wife received for the wonderful hospitality and for letting us spend some pleasant moments. We dine out at a restaurant nearby and then give us a nice walk in downtown Ljubljana, just to get an idea of ​​the city, tomorrow we will devote the entire day to visit this extraordinary city.










31/07/2011 - Ljubljana (km 0) After a good breakfast in the company of Sebastian and his wife Polona, ​​through a walk of 10 minutes we reach the heart of the city of Ljubljana Visit Ljubljana – guida turistica ufficiale di Lubiana . The city is beautiful. Begin our tour from Piazza Prešeren, then reach the castle and from there to get lost among churches, monuments, palaces, squares, corners of a city to discover. We lunch at the restaurant pub "Sarajevo" - 12 Nazorjeva that I recommend for the exquisite cuisine Balkans. After lunch, Sebastian must return to work, it greeted friends, we continue our tour of the city. Beautiful boat tour that departs from near the square called Ribji trg (near the Triple Bridge). The boat comes to the bridge of the Dragons to turn and go under Tromostovje (Triple Bridge) and Čevljarski most (Bridge of shoemakers) and Šentjakob bridge, along the Trnovski pristan to Spice up and then return to starting point. She made dinner time, so as the cuisine of the restaurant there was Sarajevo loved it back there again. The rest of the evening pleasantly spend magic by night in a city that remain in your heart.




01/08/2011 - Ljubljana-Logarska Dolina-Rinka Falls-Celje-Ptuj (km 230) - Today we leave the capital. Again a warm welcome to Sebastian and Poland and the direction Kranj for a short stretch of highway. From here take the road 210 which leads to the Austrian border. The landscape is wonderful. Curve after curve, we enjoy the magic of this extraordinary place. We come in a flat with an old church a few kilometers from the border. All around the mountains and a magic silence.
Shortly after we cross the Austrian border at Sadnikar. Just 5 km turn right at the junction which leads back to Slovenia. We head back to Dolina in Logar Logar Valley, a nature park since 1987. An extraordinarily beautiful place, which with its many natural attractions such as caves, springs, mountains, waterfalls and rocky pinnacles is an ideal place to spend a relaxing holiday. The small, winding road through the woods is great.


We arrive at the park entrance where you pay for the bike a ticket 4 euro. The real attraction of this site are the http://www.slovenia.info/?slap_brzica=1908&lng=4 Rinka waterfall, 90 meters high and at 1,100 meters altitude. We arrive in front of the path that leads to the falls, where there is a small bar for a drink. After just 10 minutes to walk through the forest, here they are before us. A real show.



We continue the bike through the beautiful road 428 and after about 80 km we reach the ancient city of Celje, which between the first and fifth centuries. A.D. became the administrative center of Roman province of Noricum, becoming so rich as to be called "Trojan secunda", the second Troy. The old town is small but charming, with its beautiful Abbey Church of St. Daniel, the tower and the ancient Roman and medieval walls.

Celje, but is also famous because it houses the largest castle in Slovenia, the majestic castle situated on a cliff 407 meters about 2 km from the city center. We go there with the bike and paid for the ticket we visit the castle. Affects the size of the structure, taking into account that part of the castle was used as a building material in the past. Imposing the Tower of Frederick, which boasts a stunning view over the whole territory.



We leave for our final destination today, the beautiful town of Ptuj. It represents one of the oldest towns in Slovenia, as a Roman outpost fate, a spectacular medieval old town and a castle amazing. We arrive at dusk, which immediately gives us an extraordinary view of the city on the banks of the river Drava.



We find accommodation in the guesthouse "Oddaja Sob" http://www.rooms-silak.com a beautiful restored medieval house which still inside numerous testimonies of the past and garage to park the bike. We go immediately into the center for a short walk. We'll spend the morning tomorrow to visit this beautiful town quietly.



He made time to eat something good and then what better opportunity to taste the local specialties at the restaurant "Amadeus" - Presernova Ulica, 36.

After dinner, a short walk to the center of the ancient alleyways of the city.



02/08/2011 - Ptuj-Hallstatt (Austria) (km 270) - Without breakfast devote the whole morning to visit the city and especially its magnificent castle.

Prepared the bike leave with regret Slovenia to enter Austria. We visit one of the world's most beautiful lake, Hallstatt Hallstatt - AustriaVicina.it. Across the road 710 and then we travel 437 km in the last 50 in Slovenia and then take the highway to the height of the Austrian Selzthal. From here, across the road 320 and road 145 in the late evening we arrive at Hallstatt.

We seek in vain for a pension in the city but as expected it's all full so we return to the country near Obertraun about 4 km on the opposite shore of the lake, where we find one more room at the "Haus Alpenrose Fam.Schreder" - Seestrabe Tel +436131 175 / 302 cell. +43664 / 3464406. Placed immediately into the baggage we go to town just to look at the morning visit with calm. We have dinner made the beautiful and picturesque restaurant "Braugasthof" right on the shore of the lake, great food and unique landscape.



03/08/2011 - Hallstatt-Liens-Grossglockner Road (km 230) Today is a beautiful sunny day, just what we wanted to visit this beautiful town on the lake.
After a hearty breakfast we arrive in the heart of Hallstatt. The town owes its name to the fact that in an unimaginably long time ago the inhabitants were devoted to the extraction of salt. It 'a mystery to the end that they did these miners, it is assumed that as a result of disastrous landslides the place was abandoned. With the light of day the place is really lovely. The pastel-colored houses that are reflected on the calm waters of the lake, the swans with small values ​​across the shores and mountains all around make it truly one of the most beautiful and picturesque lake in the world.

Near the parish church of 400, is a particularly strange and a little 'macabre. This is the ossuary, a charnel house in which there are hundreds of human bones and skulls decorated with floral motifs and inscribed with the names of the persons to whom they belonged. All due to the 600 for a custom which, considering the small cemetery, the bodies were exhumed periodically to make room. The last skull was laid in 1995.

After the visit and view the beautiful sunny day without a single cloud, we choose a different idea of ​​visiting Salzburg for a day, to change our plans and head towards Zell am See to travel the famous Grossglockner Road http:// Großglockner Hochalpenstraße. The weather continues to be on our side. We arrive at the ticket office and soon after the show begins, 50 km at altitudes between 800 meters and 3,000 meters through a landscape made of valleys, glaciers and mountain peaks and hundreds of motorcycles on the road. For each curve a breathtaking spectacle.


















Until we arrive at an altitude of 2577 Edelweiss Spitze where we park the bike and do lunch.

The weather changes rapidly and unexpectedly, and soon the sun gives way to the threatening clouds. Shortly after it begins to rain. So wear the rain we head toward the Grossglockner, which we find ourselves before our eyes with his long tongue of ice.




weather worsened and it is really a big storm is coming, so after about half an hour then start the descent towards Lienz. A few kilometers and a torrential downpour forces us to slow our pace a lot. After about 20 minutes and dropped in altitude, even when the weather suddenly changes. The sun shines again and the heat forces us to take away the rain to stop. In short we come to stay overnight in the town of Lienz. Just a walk in the center to eat something fast and then go back to the hotel. Today was a day to Oscar!






04/08/2011 - Liens-Bressanone (Italy)-Brenner-Innsbruck (Austria) (km 180) - A beautiful sunny day welcomed our awakening to Lienz. Immediately after breakfast we leave the city to head to Italy via Bressanone and then take the Brenner highway till the goal of today, the beautiful and charming city of Innsbruck Guida di Innsbruck Informazioni su Innsbruck . We wanted to reach through Austria but the time at our disposal is very short so we must speed up. In the early afternoon we arrive in town and through the tourist office located in No. 3 Burggraben quickly find accommodation in a quiet and charming hotel the "Hotel BW" beyond the River Inn with a large yard to park the bike. Fixed luggage begins our tour of this stunning city. The old town is small but beautiful. We reserve the right to visit the Hofburg (Imperial Palace) and the Hofkirche (Imperial Church) in the morning, but now we spend our time among the many monuments of the old town and city parks, including a visit to the hill that houses the 'Alpenzoo from whose terrace offers a stunning view over the city and surrounding mountains.

[charlyno]

In the evening we are fortunate to see just below the Goldenes Dachl (Golden Roof), a show in period costumes, which remind the court of Maximilian with lots of dancing, fighting, fire jugglers and games. A very welcome surprise.





























After a good dinner of Tyrolean specialties at the restaurant "Hasthaus Goldenes Dachl".

Let's go back to the hotel across the bridge on the Inn River on whose waters reflect the colors of this charming city.






05/08/2011 - Innsbruck-Aldershot (Italy) (km 190) - Without breakfast we go back downtown to visit the Imperial Palace. The ticket includes an audio guide that lets you know a little 'more about the history of this great mansion, the characters of the time and incredible masterpieces of art in it. Majestic, beautiful to leave without the words Riesensaal (Giant's Hall). Soon after we go to the nearby Imperial Church contains within itself the monumental tomb which was to receive the remains of Emperor Maximilian. Besides the impressive beauty of the 28 hits the coffin gigantic bronze statues, some looking a little 'scary, representing some members of the Habsburg dynasty and other characters including the statue of King Arthur.















Today my wife Laura began the first plane back to Romania and then to Sweden where I reach in ten days. To celebrate our last day's journey together, a good lunch of local specialties. The weather has changed and it started to rain. At 16.00 I leave my wife at the station in Innsbruck and make my way to Italy. At 19.00 I come around to Aldershot in the province of Trento, a guest of my dear friend Lello and his wife, Valentina, whom I thank for hospitality. The time to change and take a shower and we go with other friends at Arco (TN) at the Restaurant-Pizzeria "Ca 'Rossa" where we will eat a delicious and fragrant caciucco fresh fish, a real treat. After a good ice-cream back home.


06/07/2011 - Aldershot-Castle-Beseno Folgaria-Lavarone-Forte Belvedere-Aldershot (km 90) - Unfortunately Lello must work well with Valentina decide to make us a short ride around in motion. The first stop is the spectacular Castel Beseno Castel Beseno - Wikipedia the largest fortress in Trentino Alto Adige. We are fortunate today, and begins a medieval event, with dancing, fighting and camps inside its huge old structure. A beautiful view from the towers across the valley.











From here we move to have lunch with Folgaria Lello. Immediately after lunch we head Lavarone for a nice walk around the lake








thence to Fort Belvedere Forte Belvedere, forte Prima Guerra Mondiale massive German fortress located on the Val d'Astico which represented during the First World War, the border between the Kingdom of Italy and Austria-Hungary and played a key role during the conflict. Transformed into a museum is a very interesting excursion to better understand what the great war and the terrible conditions in which men had to live every front for the duration of the conflict.











Back at home getting ready for dinner. Today we eat Brazilian! Churrascaria Novos Bajanos 2 - V.S.S. Cosmas and Damian n.66 - Trent a great place for lovers of Brazilian cuisine.







To digest a walk in the beautiful historic






















and finally, a good beer in the heart of the ancient brewery Pedavena Trent.











07/08/2011 - Aldershot-Genoa (km 345) - Genoa-Palermo (by ship) - Greeted by highway Valentina Lello and make my way to Genoa, where the ship at 21.30 to take back home. Arrived at the terminal and made the half-day tickets available so I parked the bike near the Aquarium I take this opportunity to discover the charming old town of Genoa Comune di Genova - Promozione della citt.



















Before departure I buy something to eat during the trip and then finally I went to boarding. The bikes are loaded first, so I take this opportunity to get on the bridge and immediately eat something. The ship is moving and is a sign that my vacation is truly over.





A special thanks to my love, Laura, life companion for sharing this adventure with me on the road and a thought to our little Astrid was all the way in our hearts forever and that soon we will have to embrace the joy. At the next

[ntinopoulos]

bravo!
very beautiful places!

[Strats]

Very well done