Beautiful Bracciano - Italy

Odescalchi Castle with a passing bird! This 15th Century, Fairytale Castle, with its captivating elegance is where Hollywood Star Tom Cruise was married in 2006.



Hello Again for one last time from Arcadia!

10 April Arcadia was alongside in Civtavecchia - the Port for The Eternal City of Rome. Many Arcadians set off to spent a gloriously sunny day roaming around Rome.

For those who wanted to see the country side of Lazio on this brilliantly sunny April day the excursion to take was that to beautiful Bracciano.

From the Castle you can see Bracciano Lake which mirrors its beautiful surroundings. The tranquil Lake was formed within an ancient volcanic crater.

Another lovely view looking over the Castle's Chapel.........to the shimmering lake.

The Castle is privately owned and the family name of the owners can be translated as 'Little Bear' hence the statue above............

The Castle dominates the small typically Italian town of Bracciano.

A typical intimate Square.

The local Ham and Cheese on display at the Grocers - as you know I am very fond of Grocery Shops as my Father was a Grocer!.........and I have served my time behind the counter..........and many the ham I have carved. Give me a cheese and a cheese wire and I am sure I would still be a expert slicer!!!..............

The Lake was like Dressmakers Velvet (how I love that phrase) as the Arcadians took a leisurely boat ride to soak up the wonderful lakeside sights and scenery.

Looking back at the Castle............

The Castle disappears into the distance as we start our half hour mini Cruise to the other side of the lake....

Reflected in the azure waters - they say it is so pure that you could drink the water..........our first glimpse of Trevignano, a small lakeside town.

If you can pull yourself away from the delightful shore side you can explore the many narrow streets............I look to nosey in windows!

A lovely small relief of a goat..................this was on the front of a house by the door. The house that I grew up in, in County Antrim, had a lion's head protruding from the facade.

Wouldn't you like to wander through this inviting street...................?

This is the main square with the town hall on the right hence the flag....

One of the many swans that make their home on the lake............a bit like our ship - smooth on the surface and paddling underneath........!

These two little Jack Russell Terriers were also taking a very keen interest in the swan!!

Here you can also see the black volcanic sand. Woof woof there's a swan.............!!!!

This is a view from the lakeside looking back towards the square and a ruin of a castle on the hillside above.

I enjoyed a lovely lunch in Civitavecchia with friends today - the temperature was just perfect for dining alfresco, enjoying spaghetti with a tomato sauce; the best pizza I have ever tasted, fresh salad and a lovely slice of lemon cake to finish oozing with a fresh lemon filling........bellissimo!

This was a fantastic port to finish the Round World Cruise on, the ambiance, the people and the Mediterranean Sun all combined to make the perfect day.................Oh what a perfect day.....I feel a song coming on..........

We have four sea days now on our way back to our home port of Southampton. What a voyage of memories this has been and it has been a great privilege to share mine with you. Thank you for all your friendship and messages of appreciation - it makes it all worth while.

Best wishes to Neil Oliver, I pass my 'Bloggers Mantle' to him on the mighty vessel AZURA newly named by Darcey Bussell.

Wishing AZURA well on her maiden Voyage with calm seas, smooth sailing and God speed for her future.

Arrivederci,

James