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The weather is looking great again today ... sunny and 17C. We're heading up the Adriatic Coast, here is our route. We'll be stopping at points C and D on the Gothic Line, and onward to Ravenna for the evening. We should be sitting down for lunch right around noon.
We'll be on the road for a few hours at the start of the day, with a nature break along the route as always. Phil and Mark will be providing some historical briefings on the coach, and we'll also provide some quiet time to rest, organize photos, add to your journal, etc.
Our first stop is a monument at "Point 204," a location on the allied battle maps from which it takes its name. This is the Gothic Line, a German defensive line that stretches from east to west in the hopes of bringing the allied advance to a halt. The monument at Point 204 is simple but impressive, and the location gives a commanding view across the countryside.
Our first stop is a monument at "Point 204," a location on the allied battle maps from which it takes its name. This is the Gothic Line, a German defensive line that stretches from east to west in the hopes of bringing the allied advance to a halt. The monument at Point 204 is simple but impressive, and the location gives a commanding view across the countryside.
Point 204 Monument.
Mark Zuehlke gives an account of the battle that took place at this spot.
A group photo from one of the recent tours.
It's now time for a lunch break nearby. We usually visit in Tavullia. From here we drive a short distance northeast for a visit to Gradara War Cemetery. Each of the Commonwealth War Cemeteries is designed to adapt to the local landscape, while retaining as much as possible the overall design features of the original concepts from back in WWI. Gradara is a unique location with its stepped terraces.
Gradara War Cemetery. You can see the levels at the right of the photo, rising up the hill. There are eight levels, reached by a winding staircase along the left and right sides.
Our final stretch on the road today lasts just over an hour, bringing us to the lovely little town of Ravenna for two nights. Ravenna was an important city 1500+ years ago, you can read all about it here. The old center of the city is magical.
We've covered a bit of ground today, but this gets us nicely up into the northern regions to see some more great things. Tomorrow is a half-day, with free time in the afternoon to rest and explore.
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