Italy –Travel and Tourism Level 3

By Gemma Badger – Year 2

At the beginning of September 2016, we went to Italy for 4 days, on a residential trip.

We started our trip staying in Montecatini and travelled by train to different locations each day. On day 1, we settled into our accommodation and then explored the area to get familiar with the surroundings. We went for an evening stroll to look at the market and to locate where we needed to be for the next day and spent the evening in a local restaurant.

 

 

 

Day 2 We went to the train station and hopped onto a train to Florence where we went on a walking tour around the beautiful town and found out lots of information about the history of Florence. We had free time where we went wandering into all the designer shops, like Gucci and Prada, and many other stores, including their amazing ice cream and pizza!

 

 

 

 

Day 3 We went back to the train station and travelled to Lucca, Abingdon’s twin town. There we went on a wonderful bike tour with our guide Carlos where he took us all round Lucca and all through the side streets and over hills and everywhere you would never think to go by foot. After the tour, we went to the much recommended and interesting pasta restaurant, owned by a peculiar gentleman, who was lovely and friendly. Then we had more free time in Lucca and traced our steps, looking more in-depth at all the stops we had just been to.

 

Day 4 We were heading back to the UK and we spent the morning looking round the market in Montecatini. We later transferred to Pisa where we took the much-expected photo of us holding up the Leaning Tower. Then we stopped off and tried true Italian pizza, which was outstanding, before flying home, and looked back on out time in Italy.

 

 

 

Italy was an amazing trip and we have more to come. I would recommend travelling as much as you can. Trips such as these help build confidence and team skills. Take chances and explore the world and what is has to offer you; it is worth it!