It’s a Yes to Menton
I have to share with you the funny poem that my Italian group generated at the end of the tour for Philip and me. Spending nearly 3 weeks with a group and this applies to the tour group participants too, requires some patience, consideration and the ability to give and take. On this tour, we only had one couple that was not a repeat, which probably meant they knew what they were in for, although they didn’t know each other in the beginning – like all tours, it is incredible how quickly everyone makes friends.
But to end up with this poem was a hilarious
Judith & Phillip’s Italian Caravan
Seventeen Nights of Wonder - 2025
From Villa Tuscalona in Frascati fair,
Where lemons hang in golden air,
Judith and Phillip, a duo so bright,
Led thirteen souls into Italy’s light.
“Lace up your shoes and follow with glee!
There’s magic awaiting in wine, land and sea!”
With a wink from Judith and a grin from Phil,
They rolled down the road with zest and goodwill.
First: Montefalco, with vineyards that gleam,
Where Umbria dreams in a Sangrantino dream.
They wandered through lanes of stone and sun,
Sipping and laughing ‘til day was done.
With Judith the guide and Phillip the glue,
Their caravan sparkled with joy as it grew.
Each glass was raised with stories to share,
Adventure and pasta were thick in the air.
For a single salty splendid night
They coasted down to Trabocchi’s light,
Where fishing boats danced on stilts by the bay,
And laughter was served with seafood and spray.
The Adriatic hummed a lullaby tune,
As stars twirled gently around the moon.
”Just one night?” the group gave a moan,
But onward they marched, not yet going home.
To Puglia’s heart, where the olive trees twist,
And Masseria Pistola sits in the mist,
They dined under vines with wine flowing bold,
While Philip told tales that never got old.
Donkeys brayed and fireflies spun,
And Judith declared, “This is how joy is done.”
They wandered through groves with time standing still,
Wrapped in the warmth of the southern hill.
Then upward they climbed to a secret embrace:
Santo Stefano di Sessanio’s grace.
Where cobblestones whispered and lanterns glowed.
And medieval dreams in moonlight flowed
The silence there sang, the mountains stood near,
And hearts grew quiet, full of cheer.
They shared a toast in the cool mountain air,
Grateful for moments few travelers dare.
Through Abruzzo’s arms they wandered next,
By beauty unspoiled and paths untexted.
With every view, more grand that before,
They laughed, they explored, they asked for more.
And then, like all good journeys must,
They circled back with joy and trust.
To Villa Tuscalona, with sunset’s glow,
Where tales were tall and spirits slow.
So here’s to Judith and Phillip, our radiant pair;
With kindness, wit, and savoir-faire.
They led thirteen souls through wine, stone, and sea.
A caravan of joy, as grand as can be.
Seventeen nights, each moment a star,
In Itay’s arms, both near and far.
A journey of hearts, of taste, and of light.
A love-filled, laughter warmed, perfect light.
Cin cin! To the leaders so true.
To Italy, and the magic they drew!
Philip and I are starting another tour in just five days, and we chose Menton as the perfect place to reflect and relax. Flying into Nice is always a thrill—landing almost right in the city, we then we had a a short taxi ride, before catching a train. We cetianly enjoyed the beautiful 50-minute train journey along the Côte d’Azur coastline to Menton.
Our hotel was just across the road from the edge of the Ligurian Sea. Although the beach was rocky and stony in places, we swam every morning and evening, aqua jogging in the incredibly salty, buoyant water. People of all ages spent hours on the beaches—it was easy to see why this coastline is so beloved and has been for hundreds of years.
We explored the town on foot each day and visited the beautiful exotic garden of Val Rahmeh. The Vibrant colours of the exotic flowers were some thing we are unfmilair with, . Most days, we stopped for a beer by the waterfront, and we found the best florist shop since ‘The Orchid’ in Dunedin. I had to go in each day for my perfume fix!
We also discovered a lunchtime café that served stunning regional food, available to eat in or take away. But best of all was finding Le Petit Resto — a small,very French restauarant with very basic surroundings, but clearly popular. The owner was the only waiter!
We ended up eating there three nights out of five. The food was authentically French: the best fish soup I’ve ever had, a perfect Sole Meunière, a plate of wonderful prawns, and of course, delectable steak and frites. On some nights, she was literally running from one table to another. I said to her, “Madam, you need more help,” and she replied, “If you like,” then told Philip that if she employed anyone else, she’d make less money! Classic. Each night, the chef came out to talk about his food. It was a wonderful experience — a true dedication to the produce and simple, heartfelt delivery.
We can certainly recommend Menton. With its picturesque old town, kilometres of beaches and the Riveria climate of over 300 days of sunshine, it was perfect for us to work, relax and enjoy the lifestyle.
xxx Judith