We are nearing the end of our time in Italy. It has been one hectic and hot adventure! ! !

As we were a little last minute with our planning and there was four of us for this part, we decided to brave taking the car instead of the train.

On route to Italy we stopped in Lucerne to see the Chapel Bridge and Lion Monument. Then made further stops at Bellinzona Castel and the beautiful Macha gorge for a refreshing swim. At the Italian border we witnessed our first car crash of the trip - where the boys rushed out to save the day!

Have mostly stayed at Air bnb's along the way, which have been fantastic for the four of us. Our best bargain so far was $88 NZ dollars a night for four of us in Zerbolo. Only issue.. we visited the 'pizzaria' downstairs only to find it didn't serve pizza?

Have had a few accomodation hick-ups along the way leaving us searching for last minute accomodation! But even in peak season we've been able to find something for the night.. just not our $88 bargains we had become used to!

Some highlights of the trip: morning coffee on the seaside in sleepy Portofino, swimming off the rocks at Riomaggiore, and walking the streets of Pompeii.

Tomorrow we are walking the 'Path of the Gods' - could be another to add to the highlights.

Then we will spend some time in Rome before flying out to London on Wednesday. Really looking forward to this next part of the trip, hopefully safer driving and some cooler temperatures! Looking forward to catching up with family there.