Rome’s new terminal 5 is a big hassle

Recently on a return flight back to the USA I got to experience the new Terminal 5 at Leonardo da Vinci Airport (FCO); also known as Fiumicino. For those of you who have heard me speak or have read my other writings; I speak of the "hassle factor" and the new terminal brings the hassle factor to a new level for international travelers. The powers that be have built a new terminal about 800 meters from the main international terminal C; in April 2008 the new 14,000m² terminal 5 was opened (designed by AdR Engineering), which was designed to handle 950,000 passengers a year. The project required an investment of €10m and took a little less than six months to complete. The terminal has completely separate check-in, security passport control and baggage handling systems (1,800 units an hour) allowing it to be used as a completely dedicated international terminal.

In the past if you were flying on Delta, American, United or other US carriers you departed from C; but now the majority of flights on these carriers depart from the new terminal 5. The hassle factor begins to show its head the moment you arrive to the airport. If you are arriving to the airport by car or taxi you are in luck because you can drive right up to the new terminal, but if you arrive by air or rail (Leonardo Express) from the rail station in Rome then you must take a shuttle bus located outside terminal C. This does not sound that bad but remember this is Italy and things are not spelled out for you like they might be back home. First; if you are in a taxi they just drop you off at terminal C which is where all "tourists" get let off, so I suggest you check your flights the night before so you can tell the driver where to drop you off.

So let's say you are in Terminal C and need to get to Terminal 5, you need to take the shuttle bus. Well the sign for the new terminal 5 is outside just in front of the entrance doors of terminal C at the far end, the sign says "shuttle bus to terminal 5", BUT the shuttle bus stop is actually about 200 yards away from the sign. This means that you have a bunch of people waiting by the sign and not at the correct stop. I was waiting at the wrong place until I realized that the area around the sign did not have enough room for a bus to stop so I began looking around and found the shuttle stop up a bit. 4 people were left at the sign as the shuttle bus passed them by during my experience, so I am sure there will be more. Then there is the actual shuttle bus itself. Imagine a standard city bus, then cut it in half, so it's way too small. Unlike some shuttle busses like the rental car company's use that have luggage racks and big aisles, this bus does not. There is no room for luggage so it gets piled in the aisle of the bus on people's feet in empty seats ect, so the hassle factor meter is on high at this point.

Once you get to the terminal you are relieved because its large, new and well organized. You go through the Disney Land style switchback line up to the counter and the security lines are plentiful and easy. After security you are taken into a general waiting area where another bus picks you up. This can be confusing because you think you are walking to your gate but you are only going to a transfer point. A bus picks you up and then drives you through the runway area back to Terminal C! Why did I just go through all of that to be right back in Terminal C? Good question!

Maybe because it just opened 5 months ago they don't have the process perfected. I hope, hope that they get that shuttle issue dealt with and the transfer back to Terminal C is completely bizarre. Now that you are informed you should be just fine. Come to Italy with me next year.. www.italy4real.com

Rem Featured on AOL Travel

Inside Scoop: Travel Agents

By TERRY WARD

"Rem Malloy, president of Seattle-based Italy 4 Real -- a tour agency offering escorted tours in Italy -- books his flights to Europe by piecing together airfares from different carriers. It can lead to substantial savings, he says. “I call it the hopper flight scenario,” says Malloy, who travels to Europe several times a year and usually uses Orbitz to book the transatlantic portion.

“Say you want to go from Seattle to Rome, round trip. Choose an airport on the edge of the European continent closest to the US to fly into,” says Malloy, referring to airports such as London, Amsterdam, Dublin and Paris. “What you do is get a roundtrip flight from your US departure point to one of those cities, and then you use a European low cost hopper flight -- airlines like Easy Jet or Ryan Air -- to hop to Rome or wherever your final destination is.”

Malloy says this method has saved him as much as $500 on an entire round trip over using Orbitz for the entire ticket. “And the money you save can go a long way in compensating for the bad exchange rate,” he says."

Sorrento Spa Experience Amazing

 

Sorrento and the surrounding coastline of the Bay of Naples is a wonderland of natural and thermal spas. During my short visit to Sorrento on business I decided to visit Ulysses which advertises itself as a Therm and day spa.

I made an appointment for a 50 min relaxation massage and access to their Therm Spa. I was not sure what to expect on the spa end but they said Jacuzzi, sauna ect; so it sounded interesting and refreshing.

I arrived at 3pm and wend down a few flights to go through glass doors to the reception desk. You could see the Olympic size lap pool with about 7 lanes and a very impressive workout area with Nautilus type machines.

The receptionist spoke good English and took me down a few flights of stairs into the darkness. We arrived to a very small area with small desk, white tile floor and one chair. Frosted glass door ahead and off to the right modern and clean changing rooms, bathrooms and lockers. Dim lights set a relaxing mood the second you get off the last step of the stairs. I am given a bath robe and locker key and go change. Swimsuits and flip flops required, but if you don't have any they have these paper thin disposable ones that work just fine.

So in my robe I am given the tour. I come out of the changing rooms and am taken past the frosted glass door with very low light behind. We open and go through. The first thing you notice is the mood lighting set into the floor edges and roof edges and the walls are rock which gives it a natural feel. The lights are dim but enough to see everything. Deep greens and blues, orange and red lights set a very peaceful atmosphere. I just arrived when they opened at three so there are no other customers; I have the entire place to myself. The room is big and you see a main pool; called "Turkish Bath" with deep green and blue dark lights, connected to that is a Jacuzzi that could fit about 8 people surrounded by large boulder walls and orange lighting.. very dramatic. The main pool has a waterfall which they call the "Neck Massage Fountain" that comes out of a pillar about 6 feet off the water and so the sound of the strong flow of water hitting the pool surface reflects throughout the entire spa. Different rooms with glass walls can be seen off to the right and left, the feel is relaxing, clean and inviting.

So the women in white pants and shirt shows me around. First is a place to leave your robe and flops and a semi-circle tilled shower, ok this looks standard fare I think to myself, then she take me around a small tiled wall into another single shower nook with two buttons on the wall, "aroma therapy shower" and "Spectrochrome" she says.. hmm that sounds nice.. ok cool what else.

A large wet steam room with rock walls and horseshoe black tile seats, a large dry sauna, standard fare so far but nice and large so you don't feel so close to your other spa people is great. Those are both hot zones and next to the dry sauna is a shower with glass door but the interesting thing is the Italian countryside wood bucket with thick white woven rope attached to the wall about 7 feet off the ground. Kind of looks like the bottom of a wine barrel with pull rope; its going to dump something on you, I wonder what.

Next is a large room with clear glass walls and about 15 wave shaped relaxation chairs, dim lights, mood music with nature sounds of water bubbling, birds chirping, and crickets. A single green blue light in the corner gives just enough light to bathe the room in dim color. In the center of the circle of chairs is cups and a pump of hot tea. "This is the relaxation room and herbal tea salon" she explains.

Next to the "I'm going to fall asleep in there and spill hot tea all over myself" room is another shower area with dark brown tile; a huge raindrop showerhead and a frosted glass pedestal lit with white light inside and what looks like large granular crystals piled up on top and a silver button.. wow what is this going to do..

Next is a very small pool about mid-shin depth split in two sections with river stone on the bottom and blue, red and green rotating lights under the clear water on each side. Steps and a stainless steel hold bar complete this interesting space. "Kneipp Walk and Circulation pool" she explains, "ohhhh very nice" is my reply and I'm set free to experience this wonderland of spa experiences.

So unsure where to start I go back to the simple tile shower and wet down. I head for the rock sauna. Hot steam with cold water fountain in the middle. Looks like the sauna could fit about 20 people. Nice relaxing instrumental music is piped in. A few older local women come in and two American tourists, the tours start for them when I'm in the Sauna.

Being the typical multi-tasking, ambitious and busy American; its hard to relax so I begin to write this article in my mind in the sauna and think "hey aren't I supposed to be relaxing now" The sauna is very hot and enjoyable for sure. I'm eager to try out the other areas so after my body temp gets to "lava" I hop out an head toward the aromatherapy shower with the two buttons. The area is good size for one person and well lit with standard white light; I decide to try the top button first.

I press and immediately the white light goes out and a deep bright red light comes on; imaging the scenes in submarine movies when the captain yells "dive, dive dive" and the light switches over to a "see in the dark red" as they head for the depths. At the same time a semi-heavy shower mist starts and the faint smell of flowers fills the space, wow this is nice and the water temp changes from warm to cool over the three or four minute cycle.

"That was great" I say out loud. I am ready for the bottom button… I press it and a dark blue light blasts on and the strong shower mist changes to a very delicate fine mist. A very nice strong menthol, eukylipitous aroma permeates the area; it feels great to take deep breaths. I'm starting to relax and enjoy this area so much I go through four cycles of each back to back… ahhhh.

Ok what's next? I decide to stay in order, so it's off to the dry sauna. The dry sauna looks like it could fit about 10 people comfortably and its very hot. I don't know what the temp was but it seemed hotter than the gym back home and takes a little getting used to. Blue/green soft lights and light music with nature sounds fills the ridiculously hot cedar wood filled space; I won't last long.

As I heat up and glance around for where I will pass out if I stay one moment more I decide to keep it short and dart out and into the shower area with the wood bucket with white rope. Dying to cool off I go under the bucket and pull hard on the rope not knowing if it will be wine, boiling oil or water… WhHOOOOO' ICE cold water dumps all over you. This water is so cold it feels like it was shipped in from the top of the Swiss Alps; it's shocking but very wonderful.

So I have been heated up, cooled down and now I'm ready for the split hot/cold walking pools or the Kneipp Walk as its known among spa regulars. The river rock floor of the two shallow pools looks like it will hurt to walk on but here goes. The first toe in and the temp is hot.. I bet about 120 degrees. The river rock bottom at first is "oh, ah, ouch" like walking on a hot beach but after a few steps you are hopping along then step out on the end, turn and begin the second side. Cold, very, very cold; the second side is a shocker as you walk your hot skin turns cold and your feet and ankles tingle, it's intense but feels good. I could only go around a few times before I was ready for flat, even temp ground; but I will go back to work on doing that one longer.

A fast few steps and I am standing under the waterfall and it's just glorious. The water is so far up the pillar that when it hits your neck it feels like a thousand hands doling the "chop chop" on your neck; it's great!

The water of the Turkish Bath is about 98 degrees, full of minerals and is very slippery. I let the "chop chop" do its thing for about 10 minutes.. I am very relaxed and have stopped thinking about work or writing this blog. I hop into the connected jacuzzi that is surrounded by rock to heat back up. The Jacuzzi will fit about 10 people but I have it to myself. I have been in the Therm for about 45 min and there are only 4 others enjoying this place.. It's great because I know in the height of the summer months I'm sure it's packed.

So with my body temp up to Mt. Vesuvius levels I go toward the second to last item; the brown shower with white light podium, crystal pile and silver button. I open the large clear glass door and the pile of crystals on the podium is ice, yes a pile of fresh small granular ice, a little bigger than slushy ice.

I press the silver button and a light cool mist begins to flow. What you do is scrub all over with the ice under the mist, at first it's a shock to the system but this is the one I kept on going back to.. it was wonderful and refreshing. The brochure calls this oasis of cold pleasure the "Ice Grotto" After some time in the Grotto im going to want to wire my refrigerators ice maker to my shower at home!

Off to the relaxation room. Wave shaped chairs that put you in a recline position with your legs at about bellybutton level and have soft thick padding are very comfortable. You go in through large clear glass doors and clear glass walls allow for a clear view of the entire spa. Rock covered walls, soft lighting, mood music with nature sounds and hot tea make this room very inviting.

Wrapped up in my robe; before you know it I'm just above sleep, hot tea is perfect and thank goodness I did not spill. A few people come in and talk which breaks the relaxing mood of the room but the environment eventually takes its grip on them and the room is again silent as people let go of their day and relax.

After this great Thermal Spa experience I top it off with a 50 min relaxation massage. The masseuse was professional and I felt very comfortable, the massage was of the quality of any high end spa back in the states.

One great aspect of this spa and fitness center is that you will not feel out of place, too large, too small or without the proper European swimsuit accessories. The environment is welcoming to all and later in the afternoon there were families enjoying the fitness classes upstairs.

If you are in the Amalfi Coast and want to take a special break away from the normal tourist shopping, walking to much then back to the hotel routine, then I suggest finding one of the many unique and special Therms located in Sorrento and along the coast. The island of Ischia is about one hour by boat from Sorrento and is a Mecca of natural thermal spas and springs.

The most amazing thing about this experience? The full day at the Thermal Spa was 20 Euro and the 50 min massage was only 45 euro; you would spend more on a diner or gaudy ceramic plate for your sister! Nuf said!

Day 7 - Rimini to San Gimignano

See more photos and details of this great tour here

See photos of the tour group having fun here

Its time to move on from San Marino and Rimini across the center of the country toward the regions of Umbria and Tuscany to our final stop of the day San Gimignano.

On our way we will make a special stop in Cortona. Cortona was put on the map by the film "Under the Tuscan Sun" from Frances Mayes's 1996 memoir by the same name.

When we leave the seaside town of Rimini we will travel through the rich green and hilly lands toward Rimini. Along the way we see the terrain change from flat to mountainess. Ancient Roman signaling towers are see upon the tops of hills used in ancient times to communicate with Rome along vast areas of land.

Cortona was founded by the Etruscans who were the ancient people of Italy dating back to 800 BC. Cortona was established around the 10th century and was just another castle hill town on the border of Umbria and Tuscany until the film was released.

Cortona Stats:

Region :Tuscany
Province :Arezzo (AR)
Mayor: Andrea Vignini (since June 2004)
Elevation: 494 m (1,621 ft)
Area: 342.33 km2 (132 sq mi)
Population: (as of 31-08-2007) - Total 22,777
Coordinates: 43°16′32″N, 11°59′17″E
Dialing code: 0575
Postal code: 52044

Now it attracts thousands of tourists per year but still maintains its small, castle hill town feel. Cortona is a great stop over for lunch or short visit. The area is an ideal place to base to explore the region of Umbria.

Our group arrives around lunch time for a two hour visit. Clients get to stretch their legs, eat a light lunch and take some photos of the quaint town.

Some café’s and shops have photos of Diane Lane during her free time from shooting the film, others have oil paintings from local artists.

If you want to take a break away from the shops then Cortona offers amazing views of the Umbrian and Tuscan countryside.

The weather is perfect for our visit. The coach can’t part up in the old town so we must drop the clients and take the coach down during their time exploring this unique town.

Day 6 - San Marino

The most unique and different locations are a very important factor in the design of this tour. Learn more about the tour here. When the tour was being designed San Marino was one of the places we wanted to take our guests.

When you visit San Marino you are leaving Italy; going to a completely different country or independent republic; like Vatican City.

History (from visitsanmarino.com)

In the Republic of San Marino, the veneration of the Saint who, according to legend, founded the Republic, is extremely deep-rooted and widespread. The legend narrates how this master stone-cutter left his native island of Arbe in Dalmatia and came to Mount Titano to establish a small community of Christians anxious to escape the persecutions of the emperor Diocletian. What is certain is that the area had been inhabited since prehistoric times, but the earliest definite evidence of a Monastery, a Parish Church and a Castle, which confirm the existence of an organised community on Mount Titano, only dates back to the middle-ages. At a time when the authority of the Empire was waning and the temporal power of the Pope had not yet been established, the local population, like those of numerous other Italian city states, decided to give themselves some form of government. Hence a free city was born. And while other Italian cities each dedicated their freedom to a saint, so the small community on Mount Titano, in memory of the legendary figure of Marinus, the stone-cutter, called itself “Land of San Marino”, later “Free city of San Marino” and finally “Republic of San Marino”. This is how the social fabric of the Republic originated. Government was entrusted to an assembly of the heads of families called the “Arengo” presided over by a Rector. Always anxious to promote peaceful relations and goodwill, this assembly drew up and promulgated the first laws, the Statutes, inspired by the principles of democracy. As the community grew, a Captain Defender was appointed to share the responsibility of the executive with the Rector. It was only in 1243 that the first two Consuls, the Captains Regent, were elected to office for a period of six months; a twice-yearly appointment made regularly since then right up to the present day, thereby confirming the validity and efficiency of the institutions and, in particular, of the Regency. And it was thanks to the wisdom which inspired the ancient free city of San Marino that the community was able to overcome perilous situations and consolidate its independence. The events of history were complicated and their outcomes often uncertain. In the end though the love of freedom enabled the free city to maintain its liberty. Particularly significant were the disputes with the Bishops of Montefeltro who demanded the payment of a tribute. The people of San Marino however finally established their rights and achieved political and administrative emancipation. Neither were they fainthearted when it came to defending the walls of the town with their now legendary crossbows or to taking part in numerous struggles alongside the Montefeltros of Urbino, champions of the Ghibelline party. The territory of San Marino barely extended beyond Mount Titano in 1463 when the Republic entered into an alliance against Sigismondo Pandolfo Malatesta, Lord of Rimini who was defeated. As a reward, Pope Pius II Piccolomini gave San Marino the towns of Fiorentino, Montegiardino and Serravalle. The town of Faetano, of its own accord, joined the Republic in that same year. Since then, the size of the country has never changed. The Republic of San Marino was twice occupied by military forces, but only for a few months at a time: in 1503 by Cesare Borgia, known as Valentino, and in 1739 by Cardinal Giulio Alberoni. Freedom from Borgia came after the tyrant died, while in the case of Cardinal Alberoni, civil disobedience was used to protest against this abuse of power and clandestine messages were sent to obtain justice from the Pope who recognised San Marino’s rights and restored the state of independence. In 1797, Napoleon offered gifts and friendship to San Marino and expressed the wish to extend its territorial boundaries. The people of San Marino were very grateful and honoured by such generosity, but refused with instinctive wisdom to enlarge their territory, satisfied as they were with the “status quo”
In the year 1861, Abraham Lincoln showed his friendship and sympathy for San Marino when he wrote among other things to the Captains Regent “Although your dominion is small, nevertheless your State is one of the most honoured throughout history..” San Marino boasts an exceptional tradition of hospitality. This free country has never refused asylum or help to those persecuted by misfortune or tyranny, whatever their condition or ideas. Suffice it here to mention just two of the many examples that could be quoted: in 1849, when Giuseppe Garibaldi was surrounded by three enemy armies after the fall of the Roman Republic, he found unexpected safety for himself and his surviving companions in San Marino. During the last World War, San Marino gave protection to over 100,000 refugees.
Today the Republic is independent, democratic and neutral, and although it continues to remain faithful to its ancient traditions, it is becoming ever more responsive to the call of progress.

San Marino is a magical castle in the sky. High above the sea overlooking the countryside near Rimini, San Marino is one of the most unique places on earth.

The history of this country within a country is explained to our client by their own private guide during a one hour tour of the town. The clients learn the history and get to visit the church where they can see the remains of St. Marino; whose head is incased in gold and kept in a glass crypt only to be taken out one day each September for the celebration of the town.

Shops and museums abound and one unique thing you will find in San Marino is ancient armory including swords, shields, helmets and bows all dating back to ancient times. Masterful reproductions can be purchased if you want to take back a piece of history.
Free time for lunch after the tour or a hike to one of three remote towers of the castle that overlook the countryside. San Marino is a photographer’s paradise. Don’t forget to catch the changing of the guard at the palace located in the main square, each day, and each hour on the half hour.

When you are in San Marino you have the feeling you are in the middle of a movie set or have gone back in time to the days of knights in shining armor. The stone walls, ancient armor museum and castle in the sky are very unique. www.visitsanmarino.com will give you more information. www.italy4real.com will tell you how you can join me on this wonderful tour.

Rimini - Day 5 - The FEAST

Read about how you can join this amazing tour here!

We arrive to Rimini just after lunch time. Rimini is the largest resort area on the Adriatic side of Italy but I has a small feel. On our way to the hotel we cruise by and show the clients the best places to explore, shop and eat, then we pull into the hotel. Our hotel has won the best on the beach award for the last several years and is considered by many the best beach hotel on the entire coastline. Each guest will have a sea view room with a huge balcony overlooking the sea; a great place to relax. We check in and the group has free time until we meet for dinner in the early evening. Many will nap, walk on the sandy flat beaches or explore the shops near the hotel. The tour has a relaxed feel and pace so there is no rush to do anything which is what you need in a good vacation.

Rimini is located on the Adriatic side of Italy in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy and is the capital city of the Province of Rimini. Today is has about 138,000 people but grows several million during the summer months as Italians close their shops, schools and head to the beach every year in August.

Rimini is a pure beach resort down and when the sun goes down the city comes alive. The beachgoers of the day become the fun seekers of the night with pubs, live music and street festivals that sprout in Rimini during the summer months. Rimini is very family oriented and there are no drunken revelers about but just people enjoying themselves listening to music, strolling, talking and eating.

One of the highlights of the tour happens in Rimini on the day we arrive. “The FEAST” as we like to call it on tour. When my mother and I were scouting the route for the tour we wanted only the best local experience possible for our clients so we searched high and low for just the right place.

A friend recommended a restaurant located in the countryside outside of Rimini. After one try we were hooked. Ever since that first taste experience we never went anywhere else and have brought our clients to this special place year after year.

Located just outside of Rimini in the countryside of Rimini in an ancient farm house lies the best restraint we have ever experienced in Italy. If you want to find out the name you will have to join our tour. Learn more by clicking here.

The average night involves 14 courses over 3 or 4 hours. Each item from the wine to the cheeses are homemade fresh by the establishment. There are no menus for our group. Once we arrive we are greeted by a glass of local wine, pickled onions and breadsticks. Then comes the appetizers; 5 or 6 different platters of the best food you have ever tasted begin to come to the table. Sliced beef, cheeses, breads, pork, just to name a few. Fresh local white and red wine begins to flow. The group releases “ohhh” and “aaaaah” as the plates hit the table and “mmmmmm’s” can be heard from that point on.

As the appetizers are devoured there is a sort pause where you can talk, sip wine and relax. This is slow food at its best; there is no rush here.

Next arrives the first pasta course. Family style platters of homemade pasta and ravioli come on sliver platters to both ends of the long table. The sauces are light, fresh and so flavorful. The ravioli is stuffed with homemade cheese that is warm and creamy. The pasta has peppers, bacon and spices with just the right amount of kick. The clients are in heaven.

The pasta is enjoyed like it is the last dinner they will ever have but we are not even close to being finished. Next arrives the second course.. meat. Imagine the best beef filet you have ever tasted, sliced, cooked perfectly and sprinkled with olive oil and Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese. Rich lamb in gravy is next with fresh vegetables accompanying the meats. The flavors are intense and the conversation has been on how amazing the food is for the last hour.

The clients are laughing, talking and having a genuinely good time. Many are truly relaxing which is good to see.

Time to stretch your legs after the second course. Many explore the ancient farm house, take photos of the kitchen and the display of plated food for the other customers. After a few moments of rest the desert arrives. Homemade ice cream with cream sauce, chocolate sauce and a dusting of powdered sugar. The clients who has said they cannot eat one more bite are the first to dive into their new found sweet paradise placed in front of them.

The ice cream is gone before you know it and then the staff brings small clear glasses to each of the guests. “what’s next” a client asks.. “a nightcap” I reply. The staff then brings fresh homemade Limoncello and grappa to the table. We begin to pour small tastes of each for everyone. Everyone sits back with their favorite after dinner drink and talks, relaxes and enjoys the unique experience.

Limoncello is a lemon liqueur produced in Southern Italy, mainly in the region around the Gulf of Naples, the Sorrentine Peninsula and the coast of Amalfi and islands of Procida, Ischia and Capri, but also in Sicily, Sardinia, Menton in France and the Maltese island of Gozo. It is made from lemon rinds (traditionally from the Sorrento lemon, though most lemons will produce satisfactory limoncello), alcohol, water, and sugar. It is bright yellow in color, sweet and lemony, but not sour since it contains no lemon juice.

Make Limoncello at home:

Ingredients

• · 8 lemons
• · 1 liter of etílic alcohol
• · 1 liter of mineral water
• · 600 grams of sugar

Soak the rinds in the alcohol for a week. Dissolve the sugar in the water (lukewarm) and add the alcohol (without the rinds). Let it get cold and put it into the refrigerator. Wait a week until you drink it.

Grappa is a fragrant grape-based pomace brandy of between 50% and 80% alcohol by volume (100 to 160 proof), of Italian origin. Literally "grape stalk", most grappa is made by distilling pomace, grape residue (mainly the skins, but also stems and seeds) left over from winemaking after pressing. It was originally made to prevent waste by using leftovers at the end of the wine season. It quickly became commercialized, mass-produced, and sold worldwide. Some grappa, known as prima uva, is made with the whole grapes. The flavor of grappa, like that of wine, depends on the type and quality of the grape used as well as the specifics of the distillation process. Grappa was originally made in the northern Italian town of Bassano del Grappa, and some contend that this is the origin of the name, rather than from the Latin graspa – from Wikipedia.

Coffee, espresso or tea for anyone who wants it as the night slows down. We have been eating for over 3 hours but is seems much shorter because everyone is so focused on the relaxing environment that time seems to stand still.

We take photos of the table and make our final toasts to the fantastic evening then we make our way back to the coach for the short late night drive back to the hotel.

Tomorrow is San Marino!