Richard And Jo Demeester's photos

Getting tickets was no mean feat. I was in queues on multiple devices, and suddenly Jo had luck on her computer, and we didn't have long to think about if we were happy with the seating or that performance, we just knew if we turned them down, we would be unlikely to get another pair.

The iconic 19th century landmark building of Turin.

It is hard, sometimes, being such a trend setter.

This fantastic portrait of former Bomba resident Silvio Spaventa was completed just in time for his 200th birthday. Current Bomba resident, Perry Sullivan, worked hard to ensure it was ready. I really like the style he has used to honour this former politician and journalist.

View from the roof of the cathedral.

The porticoes of Bologna are World Heritage Listed, totalling scores of kilometres, lining virtually every street of the city.

Bologna university is referred to, in various sites and literature, as the world's oldest continually running university. It is evocative with its wooden seating and marble dissection slab. It is beautifully decorated with wooden statues of famous historical physicians. I found myself sitting and imagining what students of centuries gone by may have witnessed.

Inside the Cathedral of Bologna,the world's longest indoor Meridian Line. A 17th century astronomical aid, still proven to be incredibly accurate.

We went to the cathedral, where a crowd of the faithful had gathered, to follow the crucifix through the streets of Udine. Candles and flaming torches were handed out as we left the piazza. Every now and then the procession would stop for a reading or to sing a hymn.

Near Udine, around an hour by bus, is the village of San Daniele del Friuli. Known for its prosciutto, it is obviously a great stop for a lunch or aperitivo. We visited two prosciutterie in the town. One was a smaller operation, with a family business feel. We had wine and a platter at the attached restaurant, and toured the curing legs. The second was a much larger scale, run by a multinational company, with a small museum and a large outlet shop.

We had a few hours to kill before our bus. So a lazy late breakfast on the river front seemed ideal.

Prešeren Trg, after a moderate day pedalling.