Trip Over to Florence
David – Florence’s Favourite Son
Our day out in Florence was inspired by David, Florence’s favourite son – Or is Michelangelo her favourite? I’m not really sure. Michelangelo wasn’t actually from Florence, or Firenze, as it is known in Italy. He was born in 1475 in Caprese, about 100km away. But David, on the other hand, was created in Florence by Michelangelo between 1501 and 1504 – so I’m going to stick with David being the favourite son.
Michelangelo was originally commissioned to create one of a series of statues of prophets to be positioned along the roofline of the east end of Florence Cathedral, (also known as Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore, Il Duomo di Firenze or simply the Duomo). But David was placed instead in a public square, outside the Palazzo Vecchio, the seat of civic government in Florence, in the Piazza della Signoria where he was unveiled on September 8, 1504. He was placed with his eyes looking in the direction of Rome, with a warning glare. I actually think his stare, (and stance), is a very cool look of, “Don’t even think about it, I’ve got this…………..”
In 1873 the decision was made to move David inside, out of the weather, to the Galleria dell’Accademia, I did go there to see the original, but wasn’t allowed to take photos there. I have noticed online that many others have, but they were very strict the day I was there. The original is huge, just over 5mt tall. He is heavily guarded these days to protect him from further attacks, like the one in 1991 when someone took to him with a hammer, damaging the toes on his left foot. He does suffer from a few hair line fractures possibly caused by movement in the ground he stands on. He holds most of his weight on his right foot throwing off his centre of gravity. Maybe someone needs to create something for him to stand on that absorbs the natural movement and vibrations in the earth, after all, he is getting on a bit.
A replica was placed where the original stood in Piazza della Signoria, apparently the same size, but doesn’t seem to be, maybe because of the vast space he stands in as opposed to the original with a roof over his head. I have tried to find out who created this replica, but have been unable to. Maybe that was part of the deal, remain anonymous or you don’t get paid. From where I am standing, anyone who can create a replica of David from a chunk of marble is a very talented individual (or team) indeed. In fact, anyone who can pour something into a mould, get it out, stand it up, and it looks like David also has skills beyond anything I’ll ever have.
Having left the comfort of the Savoy Hotel in Piazza della Repubblica, after breakfast, we walked up Via Calimala to the Mercato Nuovo to see Il Porcellino, the bronze pig. Again, a replica of the original marble boar created by Pietro Tacca in the early 1600s. Rubbing the boar’s snout ensures that one day you will return to Florence (and keeps it polished to a high sheen!)
Taking a detour via the Piazza della Signoria, to see (replica) David, and up past the Uffizi Gallery we arrived at the River Arno and walked through the arches under the Vasari Passage and across the Ponte Vecchio. Turning left we walked along the river until we got to the path to climb up toward Piazzale Michelangelo up on the hill on the south side of the river. From there you have amazing views over Florence and beyond to the surrounding hills.
As we climbed up the path way, we stopped a few times to take photos (really, to catch our breath…) It was amazing to be looking over the rooftops of Florence and seeing the Tower at the Palazzo Vecchio rising up into the sky. Further away was the imposing dome and tower of the Duomo, and around to the east, the Torre della Zecca left rather unceremoniously as a traffic island after its past as a major lookout tower on the old city walls protecting the nearby bridge across the Arno. The Tower of Saint Nicholas still stands there proudly, it was also part of the cities defensive walls, originally built in 1324, having survived the 19th century destruction of most of the walls to make way for the urbanisation of Florence, you can climb its 160 steps for a view over the city. Fortunately we were very happy with the views we had from the path leading to the top of the hill.
Along the way there are little make-shift market stalls selling “designer” handbags, and various souveniers, most involving David. On bags, on cushions, as key rings, you name it, you can get it with a little David on it.
There were many people on the path stopping to ask us to sign petitions for various things, mainly to prevent drug problems. How my signature would help this situation is beyond me. Always just decline this, and move on. They are all pick-pockets, once you have both hands busy holding the clip-board and the pen, writing your name, address and email address, they will be checking your bag and pockets. They will tell you that they are in Florence studying art and this is their holiday job, or that they are volunteers to the cause – they are lying to you, don’t let their perfect English and passionate description of what they are doing fool you, all they want is your wallet. Some of the time it must work, or they wouldn’t do it – please don’t let it be you.
The sight of the magnificent neo-classical Loggia dominating the Piazzale Michelangelo made it all worthwhile. It was originally built in the late 1800s, the architect’s dream was that it was to house a collection of Michelangelo’s works, but that didn’t happen – sadly, not all dreams can come true. It is now a fabulous restaurant where we enjoyed lunch at a table in one of the arches, eating beautiful meals, drinking nice Tuscan wine, while looking over the gardens, the activity in the square and out over Florence.
There is a bronze (replica) David in the Piazzale, also by an unnamed artist. We had our lunch while David was surrounded by Ferraris, and he wasn’t the slightest bit interested. It seemed there was some sort of Ferrari promotion going on that day, people were taking them for test drives on the winding roads in the area.
After lunch, and some time taking in the view and looking at the Ferraris, it was time to head back down to Florence. At the start of the path there is a fantastic view of a remaining stretch of the ancient walls that once surrounded Florence. We walked through Porta San Miniato, the gate in the wall as we got closer to the river, it has been there since the 1300s and the locals live around it and walk through on a daily basis more than 600 years later. I have a complete fascination for places that so many people have walked through for hundreds of years, and now I am doing it – for some unknown reason, it really impresses me.
It was pointed out by a tour guide, an art student, when we went to see the real David, that his right hand is out of proportion as compared to the size of his head. She explained that this was part of Michelangelo’s genius, as David was originally commissioned to stand high up on the eastern end of the Duomo. See in the photo below on the right there is a sort of balcony looking area – the plan was that David and some others were going to stand in these areas around that end of the Duomo. The art student explained that Michelangelo did this on purpose, making the hand bigger, so then when you looked up at David so high above you, everything looked in proportion. But, the flaw in this is that if that was the case, it should have been the other way around, the head should have been bigger and the hand smaller. So it’s probably best if we just don’t go there, and I wish she hadn’t mentioned it because all I see now is a big right hand, which I hadn’t thought of as out of proportion before. But Michelangelo is still a genius, it was a huge block of marble to start with, and he turned it into a man – that in itself is an act of genius.
Anyway, Michelangelo’s studio, now a museum, is just behind the Duomo, and once David was finished they very quickly realised they had no way to lift this giant naked man with the rippling six pack, weighing more than 6 tons, up into the position reserved for him. So after much deliberation from a committee that included Leonardo da Vinci, it was decided that David should stand at the entrance to Palazzo Vecchio, in Piazza della Signoria, which he did from 1508 until he was moved inside the Galleria dell’Accademia in 1873.
Itinerary for Trip Over to Florence
Flew from Sydney to Rome via Dubai, with Qantas/Emirates.
Stayed in an apartment near Largo di Argentina for a month – rented through Sleep in Italy.
Walked all over Rome, bought a one month transport ticket for buses, the metro and some trains.
We caught the fast train from Rome Termini to Florence, and stayed for 3 nights at the Hotel Savoy.
While in Florence we went on a tour with Viator to Siena and San Gimignano.
Arranged for us to be picked up at the airport on arrival, and taken back at the end of our holiday with a private transfer with Viator.
I caught the bus from La Spezia out to Lerici, on the southern side of the Gulf of Poets. So many boats in the bay, and look, another medieval castle for me to climb to the top of!!! Travellers tip:- there is a lift up to the castle 😃!! It`s fairly well hidden, but if you walk around the bay to the base of the castle, you will see a tunnel full of kayaks, just up there is the lift.
In the second photo, out in the distance on the left of the pic, you can see Chiesa di San Pietro out on the point in Porto Venere on the other side of the bay, see my previous 9 posts for Porto Venere photos.
.
.
#lerici #lericicoast #lericicastle #lericiitaly #lericioutdoor #gulfofpoets #gulfofpoetsitaly #boatsboatsboats #boatsonthebay #solotravel #solotrip #solotravelinitaly #italianadventure #italianhistory #madeinitaly #tripovertoitaly #medievalitaly #italianhistory #italytravel #historicbuildingsenrichourlives #oldbuildingsmakemehappy #traveltheworldwithme #traveladdict #neverstopexploring #seeeverythingdoeverything #seekandyoushallfind
As my ferry from La Spezia to Monterosso rounded the point Chiesa di San Pietro on above Porto Venere, I knew this was a place I needed to visit. This church has been here looking over the sea since 1198. After seeing the way the villages of Cinque Terre have lost their character to tourism, I imagine Porto Venere is what Cinque Terre used to be like - very few people, absolutely beautiful and so much history, a just a short bus ride from La Spezia.
.
.
#portovenere #laspeziatomontarosaferry #daytripfromlaspezia #chiesasanpietro #chiesadisanpietroportovenere #medievalitaly #italianhistory #madeinitaly #italianarchitecture #oldbuildingsmakemehappy #historicbuildingsenrichourlives #historicitaly #italytrip #seetheworldthroughmyeyes #neverstopexploring #traveltheworldwithme #solotravel #solotrip #solotravelinitaly #italianadventure
The Church of Santa Margherita d`Antiochia Vernazza, with it`s octagonal bell tower has been sitting in the main square in Vernazza since the 13th century. I guess it`s OK to leave your guitar and guitar case out on the rocks by itself before the crowds arrive!!
.
.
#churchofsantamargheritadantiochia #vernazzaitaly #vernazza #vernazzacinqueterre #cinqueterrenationalpark #cinqueterrecoast #cinqueterreitaly #cinqueterre #guitarontherocks #umbrellasofitaly #lifebythesea #solotravel #solotrip #italianhistory #madeinitaly #medievalitaly #italianarchitecture #oldbuildingsmakemehappy #historicbuildingsenrichourlives #historicitaly #italytrip
More steps to climb!!! Up to the, I`m going to call it the terrace, to look out for the enemy approaching - all clear out on the Gulf of Poets as far as Porto Venere in the distance and the weather beaten Italian flag continues to fly at Lerici Castle.
.
.
.
#lerici #lericicoast #lericicastle #lericiitaly #lericioutdoor #gulfofpoets #italianflag #stepsstepsandmoresteps #viewfromthecastle #oldbuildingsmakemehappy #historicbuildingsenrichourlives #medievalitaly #italianarchitecture #madeinitaly #tripovertoitaly #solotravel #italianadventure #italytravel #seetheworldthroughmyeyes #traveltheworldwithme
This sculpture of a broken man in the rocks at the northern end of the beach at Monterosso al Mare, is thecremains of Il Gigante, was damaged when Villa Pastine, behind him took a hit in WWll bombing. The second photo is from one of the art works in the tunnel, showing what he looked like before.
.
.
#monterosso #monterossoalmare #monterossoalmarecinqueterre #cinqueterrenationalpark #cinqueterrecoast #cinqueterreitaly #cinqueterre #ilgigante #ilgigantemonterosso #ilgigantemonterrossoalmare #artinpublicplaces #brokenman #sculptureontherocks #solotravel #solotrip #solotravelinitaly #neverstopexploring #italianhistory #exploringitaly
Most areas in Italy have a statue of Giuseppe Garibaldi somewhere and Monterosso al Mare is no exception, here in Piazza Garibaldi surrounded by cafes and restaurants.
.
.
#giuseppegaribaldi #piazzagaribaldimonterossoalmare #monterosso #monterossoalmare #monterossoalmarecinqueterre #cinqueterrenationalpark #cinqueterrecoast #cinqueterreitaly #cinqueterre #solotravel #italytrip #madeinitaly #traveladdict #travelinitaly #solotrip #italianhistory #seeeverythingdoeverything #traveltheworldwithme #neverstopexploring #neverstoptravelling
The French exhibit at Fleurs de Villes at Calyx, in Sydney`s Royal Botanic Gardens. This was my favourite, love a bit of Moulin Rouge!!
.
.
#moulinrouge #floraldesign #royalbotanicgardens #fleursdevilles #flowerseverywhere #moulinrougewindmill #brightpinkflowers #sydneyinwinter #sydneylife #sydneystyle #seeeverythingdoeverything #seetheworldthroughmyeyes #traveltheworldworldwithme #explorethecityyoulivein #sydneylocal #myhometown #sydneyaustralia #sydney #sydney
Further up the hill in Porto Venere is Chiesa di San Lorenzo, another medieval church with an amazing view out over the bay, the tall ship out there adds to the ambience.
.
.
#chiesadisanlorenzo #chiesadisanlorenzoportovenere #blackandwhitemarble #historicbuildingsenrichourlives #oldbuildingsmakemehappy #seekandyoushallfind #seetheworldthroughmylens #seeeverythingdoeverything #medievalitaly #italianarchitecture #madeinitaly #tripovertoitaly #solotravel #italianadventure #italianhistory #italytrip #italytravel #tallship #bayofpoets #belltower #viewfromthetop
The bell tower above the 13th century Church of Santa Margherita d`Antiochia in Vernazza on the Cinque Terre coast in Italy.
.
.
#cinqueterreitaly #vernazza #vernazzaitaly #vernazzacinqueterre #cinqueterrenationalpark #lifebythesea #cinqueterre #cinqueterrecoast #solotravelinitaly #solotravel #solotrip #italianhistory #madeinitaly #medievalitaly #italianarchitecture #oldbuildingsmakemehappy #historicbuildingsenrichourlives #historicitaly #belltower
My Solo Italian Aventure took me out to La Spezia, my base for exploring Cinque Terre, Porto Venere and Lerici. Staying @hotelfirenzelaspezia was ideal, just 50 mtrs from the railway station, and a short walk through La Spezia to the harbour, all methods of transport to easily get around are all nearby. The room was very comfortable and spacious, the buffet style breakfast was delicious, and the Terminus restaurant served fantastic meals.
For more info about the hotels I stayed in on my Italian Aventure, click on the link to my website in the bio.
#laspezia #italybytrain #hotelfirenzeecontinentale #hotelfirenzeecontinentalelaspezia #solotravel #solotravelinitaly #neverstopexploring #neverstoptravelling #solotrip #solofemaletravel #solomidlifefemaletraveler #seeeverythingdoeverything #hotelsinitaly #explorecinqueterre #traveltheworldwithme #traveladdict #passportready
Sydney` Royal Botanic Gardens starting to come to life at the end of winter. It is still winter here, but we are having hotter weather that we get in peak summer, hopefully this doesn`t mean we are in for a relentlessly hot summer 😳
.
.
#royalbotanicgardens #sydneyaustralia #sydney #sydneylocal #sydneyinwinter #sydneylife #explorethecityyoulivein #seekandyoushallfind #seeeverythingdoeverything #seetheworldthroughmyeyes #pondinthepark #birdinthetree #reflectiononwater #reflectiononwaterisbeautiful #whiteflowers #walkinthepark
Oratorio di San Rocco, the small church with the clock and bell tower in Lerici, one of the more modern churches in the area, having opened in 1523!!
.
.
#lerici #lericicoast #lericiitaly #italianarchitecture #italianhistory #madeinitaly #oratoriodisanrocco #oratoriodisanroccolerici #solotravel #solotravelinitaly #italytrip #seetheworldthroughmyeyes #historicbuildingsenrichourlives #oldbuildingsmakemehappy #historicitaly #belltower #clocktower #exploretheworld #neverstopexploring #seeeverythingdoeverything
The northern part of Monterosso al Mare, I had a coffee and croissant in a coffee shop on the beach front here before I started exploring. Later in the day a few brave souls were climbing this rock a jumping into the very cool, crystal clear water in early spring. The train station is down here too, where I could buy my Cinque Terre Pass giving me a few days of unlimited train trips, it also includes the bus up the hill in Corniglia.
.
#monterossoalmarecinqueterre #monterosso #monterossoalmare #cinqueterrenationalpark #cinqueterrecoast #cinqueterreitaly #cinqueterre #italytrip #solotravel #solotravelinitaly #neverstopexploring #seeeverythingdoeverything #traveltheworldworldwithme #traveladdict #italianbeach #seekandyoushallfind #clearwater
Walking from the northern beach at Monterosso al Mare to the southern beach, on the Cinque Terre coast, there was a market setting up under the arches under the rail line and a few cafes in the square.
.
.
#monterossoalmarecinqueterre #monterosso #monterossoalmare #cinqueterrenationalpark #cinqueterrecoast #cinqueterreitaly #cinqueterre #solotravel #italytrip #madeinitaly #traveladdict #travelinitaly #solotrip #solotravelinitaly #neverstopexploring #seeeverythingdoeverything #traveltheworldworldwithme #outonthewater #italianbeach #travelinitaly
As the ferry from La Spezia pulled into Vernazza, on the Cinque Terre coast, we were all mesmerised by the efficiency of this helicopter that seemed to be bringing building supplies in from just over this hill, where the closest road is. The guys who unhooked the load were so fast the chopper seemed to not even slow down as it spun around to go back for the next load, then the same at the pick up location, it just swooped in and they were ready to hook the next load on and it flew on, a well rehearsed routine!!
.
.
#vernazza #vernazzaitaly #vernazzacinqueterre #cinqueterrenationalpark #cinqueterrecoast #cinqueterreitaly #cinqueterre helicopter #deliveringsupplies #vineyardsofitaly #seekandyoushallfind #seeeverythingdoeverything #solotravelinitaly #solotravel #solotrip #italytravel #italianadventure
A great hotel in Venice for Solo Travellers with luggage, @rialtohotelvenice is easy to get to from the railway station or the airport with the vaporetto stop right outside on the Grand Canal. The staff are all lovely and so helpful. The location is perfect, at Rialto Bridge, you will always be able to find your way back, just keep following signs to Rialto!!
I had the best time there looking out over the Grand Canal, either from my room or up on the terrace, it would be so easy to spend all your time just watching all the goings ever changing happenings on the Canal.
I have written a story on my website about all the hotels I stayed in on my recent solo Italian adventure, all easy to access from transport, safe, friendly and comfortable. Click the link to my website in the bio.
Not an affiliate, just giving my honest recommendations.
.
#hotelrialto #hotelrialtovenice #grandcanal #hotelsforsolotravelers #solofemaletravel #solomidlifefemaletraveler #solotravelinitaly #solotravel #italytrip #seetheworldthroughmyeyes #neverstopexploring #traveltheworldwithme #traveladdict #neverstoptravelling #italytravel #rialtobridge #rialtobridgevenice
The Italian exhibit at Fleures de Villes in Sydney`s Royal Botanic Gardens, not quite sure why it`s Italian other than Italians seem to have claimed lemons as their own.....
.
.
#fleursdevilles #royalbotanicgardens #italianexhibit #sydney #sydneyaustralia #sydneylocal #sydneyinwinter #sydneylife #explorethecityyoulivein #seekandyoushallfind #seeeverythingdoeverything #experiencelifethroughtravel #traveltheworldworldwithme #sydneyweekend
The curtains on this focacceria are made from real pasta, so clever!!! This is one of the little shops on the path in the ancient city of Porto Venere, inside the castle walls.
.
.
.
#focacceriaportovenere #portovenere #portovenereitaly #pastacurtains #solotravelinitaly #solotravel #solotrip #italianhistory #madeinitaly #medievalitaly #italianarchitecture #oldbuildingsmakemehappy #seekandyoushallfind #seeeverythingdoeverything #experiencelifethroughtravel #traveltheworldworldwithme #daytripfromlaspezia #insidethecastlewalls
Arriving in the beautiful medieval city of Siena, I checked into @relaisdegliangeli , a lovely boutique hotel. It felt like home 💖. Siena is definitely one of my favourite places in Italy, Made even better by this hotel, it is easy to get to from the railway station or the bus station, the staff are friendly and helpful, the breakfast is amazing!!
Click the link to my website in the bio for more info on the hotels I stayed in on my Solo Italian adventure.
I`m not an affiliate, this is just an honest recommendation.
#siena #sienaitaly #sienatrip @relaisdegliangeli #italianhotels #solotravel #solotravelinitaly #italytrip #seetheworldthroughmyeyes #neverstopexploring #traveladdict #neverstoptravelling #solotrip #solofemaletravel #solomidlifefemaletraveler #boutiquehotelsoftheworld #italianadventure #relaisdegliangelisiena
Some of the stations I became familiar with on my solo Italian adventure. Siena had the biggest step up from the platform to the train, but by the time I left Siena I was quite good at handling my luggage so it wasn`t a problem, and Pisa was the easiest and my visit to Pisa was a day trip from La Spezia, without any luggage!! Although I did have to change trains in Pisa a few days later on my way back through Florence to Venice....easy 🤩!!
For more info on the art of solo travel by train in Italy, click the link to my website in the bio.
.
#traintravelinitaly #pisa #siena #Florence #laspezia #italybytrain #solotravel #solotravelinitaly #solotrip #neverstopexploring #madeinitaly #seetheworldthroughmyeyes #italytrip #italy #soloitalianadventure #solofemaletravel #solomidlifefemaletraveler #italiantrains #railwaystationsinitaly #traveltheworldworldwithme #traveladdict
Some of the places I visited on my solo Italian adventure
Top row - Venice, Florence, Siena
Bottom row - La Spezia, Porto Venere, Lerici
For info on where I stayed and how I got there, travelling solo with luggage, click the link to my website in the bio.
.
.
#venice #basilicasanmarco #florence #pontevecchio #siena #sienabelltower #laspezia #portovenere #lerici #Italy #solotravel #solotravelinitaly #solotrip #madeinitaly #neverstopexploring #traveltheworldwithme #italytrip #italianadventure #alianarchitecture #solotravelinitaly #neverstopexploring #oldbuildingsmakemehappy #historicbuildingsenrichourlives #historicitaly
Inside the 13th century Santa Margherita d`Antiochia Church in Vernazza.
.
.
.
#cinqueterreitaly #vernazza ##vernazzaitaly #vernazzacinqueterre #cinqueterrenationalpark #cinqueterrecoast #solotravelinitaly #santamargheritadantiochia #medievalitaly #13thcenturyarchitecture #italianarchitecture #italianhistory #madeinitaly #tripovertoitaly #traveltheworldwithme #historicbuildingsenrichourlives #oldbuildingsmakemehappy #blackandwhitemarble #seekandyoushallfind
In the tunnel you walk through to go between the 2 beach front areas of Monterosso, on the Cinque Terre coast in Italy, they have made a few art installations in the walls along the way.
.
.
#monterossoalmarecinqueterre #monterosso #monterossoalmare #cinqueterrenationalpark #cinqueterreitaly #cinqueterrecoast #cinqueterre #artinpublicplaces #tunnelinmonterosso #solotravel #solotrip #solotravelinitaly #neverstopexploring #seeeverythingdoeverything #traveltheworldworldwithme #traveladdict #travelinitaly #italytrip
Tucked away inside Lerici Castle in the Gulf of Poets on the Italian coast, is the medieval Chapel of Santa Anastasia in the central core of the castle, well protected, so it has remained the same since the 13th century.
.
.
.
#lerici #lericicoast #lericicastle #lericiitaly #santaanastasiachapellericicastle #medievalchapel #medievalitaly #oldbuildingsmakemehappy #historicbuildingsenrichourlives #historicitaly #italytrip #seetheworldthroughmyeyes #traveltheworldwithme #neverstoptravelling #solotravelinitaly #solotrip #solotravel #italianadventure #madeinitaly #italianhistory #castlechapel
The beach club on the bay between Lerici and San Terenzo, in the Gulf of Poets, Italy, just waiting for the sun to come out.
.
.
#santerenzochedelgolfoepiubelfiore #santerenzo #santerenzobeach #lerici #lericicoast #lericiitaly #lericioutdoor #gulfofpoets #gulfofpoetsitaly #italianbeach #beforetheseason #solotrip #solotravel #solotravelinitaly #italytrip #seetheworldthroughmyeyes #neverstopexploring #travelinitaly #traveladdict #traveltheworldwithme
An afternoon walk around Cremorne Point to cool off in the sea breeze, summer has arrived in Sydney!! Blue sky, blue water, lots of boats, Sydney Harbour showing off it`s best side 🌞🌞🌞🌞🌞
.
.
#cremornepoint #sydneyharbour #sydneyharbourwalks #sydneynorthshore #sydneybythesea #sydneylocal #myhometown #sydneylife #sydneyaustralia #sydney #sydneyinsummertime #blueskyandsunshine #walkinthesun #seetheworldthroughmylens #seeeverythingdoeverything #traveltheworldwithme #sydneyweekend #boatsboatsboats
After arriving at Venice`s Marco Polo Airport, I caught the Alilaguna Water Transport directly to Rialto, then when I left Venice by train to Florence, I caught the Vaporetto from Rialto to Ferrovia, the ferry stop at the station, then straight on to the train, suitcase in the gap between the seats, and off we went, so efficient. Very easy, even for an old chic like me on a solo Italian adventure!!🥂
For more info on the art of train travel in Italy, click the link to my website in the bio.
.
#venice #grandcanal #solotravel #traintravelinitaly #italiantrains #alilaguna #alilagunaferrytoairport #vaporetto #ferrovia #venicerail #venicetrainstation #solotravelinitaly #neverstopexploring #seeeverythingdoeverything #traveltheworldworldwithme #outonthewater #seekandyoushallfind #seetheworldthroughmyeyes
Chiesa di San Pietro in Porto Venere, high up on the hill, up so many steps, I can`t imagine what the guy with the bicycle is doing!! 😂 swipe to see the ancient interior of the church, and the doors covered in little figures. All looking a bit weather beaten after 900 years.
.
.
#chiesadisanpietroportovenere #medievalitaly #italianhistory #madeinitaly #tripovertoitaly #traveltheworldwithme #historicitaly #solotravelinitaly #neverstopexploring #oldbuildingsmakemehappy #historicbuildingsenrichourlives #churchdoors #ancientchurchdoors #portovenereitaly #portovenere #oldcitywalls #italianarchitecture #italianadventure #seekandyoushallfind #seeeverythingdoeverything
The railway station at Monterosso al Mare is right at the beach, don`t be fooled by the lack of crowds on the platform, the train just left going north, the crowds are all behind me waiting to catch the train down to the other Cinque Terre villages, or to La Spezia, where I was staying.
.
.
#monterossoalmarecinqueterre #monterosso #monterossoalmare #cinqueterrenationalpark #cinqueterreitaly #cinqueterrecoast #cinqueterre #solotravel #italytrip #madeinitaly #traveladdict #travelinitaly #solotrip #solotravelinitaly #neverstopexploring #seeeverythingdoeverything #traveltheworldworldwithme #travelbytraininitaly #travelbytrain
As any trip to Italy is full of medieval steps to climb to see fabulous things, Lerici is no different!! These are the steps from the bay up to Lerici Castle, or you can look out for this little unmarked tunnel, walk into the tunnel about 20 metres, and there is a lift up to the base of the castle. From there, there are still plenty of steps to climb up to get to the various levels in the castle, all worth it!!
.
.
.
#stepsorlift #lerici #lericicoast #lericicastle #lericiitaly #lericioutdoor #lifttothecastle #hiddentunnel #kayakstorage #solotrip #solotravelinitaly #neverstopexploring #seeeverythingdoeverything #traveltheworldworldwithme #traveladdict #travelinitaly #italytrip #madeinitaly #solotravel #italianadventure #seekandyoushallfind #stepsstepsandmoresteps
I travelled by train between destinations on my solo adventure to Venice, Florence, Siena, Pisa, La Spezia and Cinque Terre. Very easy to use, booking through @trainline I became very adept at handling my luggage on my own, changing trains and enjoying hurtling through Italy in comfort.
For more info on the art of train travel in Italy by clicking the link to my website in the bio.
.
#traintravelinitaly #solotravel #solotravelinitaly #solotrip #madeinitaly #traveltheworldwithme #italytrip #seetheworldthroughmyeyes #traveladdict #travelinitaly #italiantrains #cinqueterre #cinqueterreitaly #cinqueterrenationalpark #cinqueterrecoast
In Florence I stayed @hotelatlanticpalaceflorence , just a short walk from the railway station, and an equally short walk to Duomo Firenze, Ufizzi Gallery and Ponte Vecchio. The roof top bar at the sister hotel, Hotel Machiavelli, 50 mtrs down the street has amazing views over Florence. In the hotel foyer is an amazing vase made to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Italian Constitution in 1898. The city of unbelievable art and design starts right here in the hotel 🤩. The hotel is very comfortable, safe and serves a lovely breakfast to fuel you up for a day of exploring.
For more info about the hotels I stayed in on my Solo Italian Aventure, click the link to my website in the bio.
#hotelatlanticpalace #hotelatlanticpalaceflorence #hotelatlanticpalacefirenze #florence #duomofirenze #viewfromtheterrace #solotravel #italytrip #seetheworldthroughmyeyes #neverstopexploring #traveltheworldwithme #traveladdict #solotrip #solotravelinitaly #italianadventure #madeinitaly #italianhistory #italytravel #historicbuildingsenrichourlives #solofemaletravel #solofemalemidlifetraveller
On your walk around the bay from Lerici to San Terenzo, this house was one of many buildings along the way where the window frames and the mouldings above the windows are 3D on the front of the building and on the sides, they are all painted on, even with the shadow!! Very talented artist.
.
.
#santerenzo #santerenzobeach #santerenzochedelgolfoepiubelfiore #santerenzolerici #solotravel #solotrip #solotravelinitaly #neverstopexploring #seeeverythingdoeverything #traveltheworldworldwithme #traveladdict #italianbeach #seekandyoushallfind #seeeverythingdoeverything #experiencelifethroughtravel #tompeloeil #italianarchitecture #madeinitaly #walkalongthebay
One of the fountains in Sydney`s Royal Botanic Gardens up towards the NSW Art Gallery. I think someone needs to turn the tap on a bit more, it`s lacking in oomph!!
.
.
#sydney #royalbotanicgardens #fountaininthepark #walkinthepark #seetheworldthroughmyeyes #seekandyoushallfind #neverstopexplroring #sydneyweekend #sydneylife #sydneyaustralia #sydneyharbourwalks #sydneystyle #sydneywalks
An enormous stainless steel sculpture of Captain James Cook in the NSW Art Gallery, just next to the Royal Botanic Gardens. I made a detour to the Art Gallery before heading back into the gardens to continue my walk.
.
.
#captaincook #stainlesssteelsculpture #nswartgallery #nswartgallerysydney #sydneyweekend #sydney #sydneylocal #sydneywalks #seeeverythingdoeverything #traveltheworldworldwithme #sydneylife #sydneystyle #explorethecityyoulivein
This appealed to me......in the Art Gallery of NSW, Sydney. In reality it is an enormous work, but everything I see it a different size, it looks like something else.
.
.
.
#artgallery #nswartgallerysydney #nswartgallery #artoftheday #artlover #explorethecityyoulivein #seekandyoushallfind #seeeverythingdoeverything #seetheworldthroughmyeyes #traveltheworldworldwithme #sydney #sydneyaustralia #sydneylocal
The pond in Sydney`s Royal Botanic Gardens, with glimpses of Sydney Harbour in the background.
.
.
.
#royalbotanicgardens #sydney #sydneyaustralia #sydneylocal #sydneyinwinter #sydneylife #explorethecityyoulivein #seekandyoushallfind #seetheworldthroughmyeyes #seetheworldthroughmylens #pondinthepark #walkinthepark #sydneyharbour #sydneyharbourwalks
Back down at sea level in Porto Venere, beautiful restaurants and the smell of the sea, with Doria Castle and San Lorenzo Church watching over from high up the hill. It was quite a walk up to the top, but it`s doable, (even for an old chic with a dicky knee!!), you zig-zag slowly rising as you rise higher past San Pietro, past San Lorenzo and up to the castle.
.
.
#portovenereitaly #portovenere #oldcitywalls #italianarchitecture #italianhistory #madeinitaly #tripovertoitaly #traveltheworldwithme #historicitaly #lookouttower #solotravel #solotrip #solotravelinitaly #italianadventure #seekandyoushallfind #seeeverythingdoeverything #seetheworldthroughmyeyes #traveltheworldwithme #traveladdict #chiesadisanlorenzoportovenere #oldbuildingsmakemehappy #historicbuildingsenrichourlives #boatsboatsboats #downbythewater
And even further up the hill in Porto Venere, the old castle walls, the ancient pathways, and more fantastic views out across the bay, and over Chiesa di San Pietro perched high above the sea.
.
.
#portovenereitaly #portovenere #oldcitywalls #italianarchitecture #italianadventure #madeinitaly #tripovertoitaly #traveltheworldwithme #historicitaly #lookouttower #solotravel #solotrip #solotravelinitaly #neverstopexploring #medievalitaly #ancientcastle #chiesadisanpietroportovenere #viewfromthetop #seekandyoushallfind #seetheworldthroughmylens #seeeverythingdoeverything #experiencelifethroughtravel #
A sculpture of a tree on the beach front in San Terenzo, in the Gulf of Poets, near La Spezia in Italy. It was a lovely place to amble around on a cool, cloudy day in early spring.
.
.
#santerenzo #santerenzobeach #santerenzochedelgolfoepiubelfiore #santerenzolerici #treesculpture #artinpublicplaces #daytripfromlaspezia #beforetheseason #solotrip #solotravel #solotravelinitaly #italytrip #seetheworldthroughmyeyes #neverstopexploring #traveltheworldwithme #traveladdict #travelinitaly #italytrip #madeinitaly #tripovertoitaly
After walking up thousands of steps in Porto Venere exploring ancient castles and churches I had a very late lunch/very early dinner down by the water, this seafood pasta was the most delicious meal I had during my Italian adventure, made me love Porto Venere even more!!
.
.
#portovenere #portovenereitaly #latavernadivenere #seafoodspaghetti #deliciouspasta #fishandchips #deliciousitalianfood #solotravel #solotravelinitaly #solotrip #seeeverythingdoeverything #traveltheworldworldwithme #travelinitaly #neverstopexporing #neverstoptravelling #italytravel #madeinitaly #traveladdict
What is the most efficient way to get from Venice Marco Polo Airport into Venice?
Alilaguna Water Bus,
@alilaguna_official operate from the airport to several stops around Venice and along the Grand Canal, making it very easy for solo travellers to get yourself and your luggage to your hotel with a minimum of fuss. I stayed the lovely @rialtohotelvenice just near the Rialto Vaporetto stop, so very convenient.
Click to link to my website in the bio to read bout my arrival in this watery wonder world.
#venice #alilaguna #venicewaterbus #airporttransport #solotravel #solotravelinitaly #solotrip #neverstopexploring #madeinitaly #tripovertoitaly #traveltheworldwithme #italianarchitecture #italianadventure #italytravel #earlyspringinitaly #solotravel #venicelights #veniceitaly #venicewalks #venicelife #venicecanals #venicetrip
After walking up to the top of Lerici Castle, the drizzly rain had stopped, so I decided to walk all the way around the bay to San Terenzo, this place will be packed to the rafters, but in early April the only people around were people doing maintenance to get ready for the season.... and me.....
.
.
#santerenzo #santerenzobeach #santerenzochedelgolfoepiubelfiore #santerenzolerici #solotravel #solotrip #solotravelinitaly #neverstopexploring #seeeverythingdoeverything #seetheworldthroughmyeyes #traveltheworldwithme #traveladdict #travelinitaly #italytrip #italytravel #earlyspringinitaly #emptybeach #seasidewalk #passagiato
After catching the bus from La Spezia to Porto Venere, I walked to the square and saw this ancient entrance to the old city within the castle walls, this is exactly what I was hoping the villages in Cinque Terre would be like. Porto Venere beats all the villages for beauty, fantastic views, history, lovely shops and beautiful food 😍 💖
.
.
#portovenere #oldcitywalls #italianhistory #madeinitaly #medievalitaly #italianarchitecture #oldbuildingsmakemehappy #historicbuildingsenrichourlives #historicitaly #italytrip #seetheworldthroughmyeyes #traveltheworldwithme #neverstoptravelling #italytravel #italianadventure #italytravel #italiantrip #paradisefound #passionpassport
Climbing higher and higher up through Lerici Castle, the views were amazing, I`m thinking of moving in!!! Lerici is such a lovely place, just a short bus ride from La Spezia, and no tourist tat anywhere. This is what I was hoping Cinque Terre would be like, but I think Cinque Terre sold out to tourism long ago.
.
.
.
#lerici #lericicoast #lericicastle #lericiitaly #lericioutdoor #gulfofpoets #gulfofpoetsitaly #boatsboatsboats #boatsonthebay #solotravel #solotrip #solotravelinitaly #neverstopexploring #seeeverythingdoeverything #traveltheworldworldwithme #traveladdict #travelinitaly #italytrip #madeinitaly #italianarchitecture #oldbuildingsmakemehappy #historicbuildingsenrichourlives #medievalitaly #oldstonecastle #
Taking a short break from posting pics from my recent Trip Over to Italy, back here in Sydney, the Royal Botanic Gardens on the edge of Sydney Harbour, held the Fleurs de Villes exhibition at Calyx, this exhibit was just inside the entrance gates near the Sydney Opera House. One of those perfect winter days 🌞!!
.
.
#sydney #sydneyaustralia #sydneylocal #sydneyinwinter #royalbotanicgardens #fleursdevilles #flowerseverywhere #sydneyharbour #explorethecityyoulivein #seekandyoushallfind #sydneylife #sydneystyle #seeeverythingdoeverything #seetheworldthroughmyeyes #neverstopexploring #boatsontheharbour #calyx
Only this tower was left standing after a WWll bomb hit Villa Pastine in Monterosso al Mare, it was recently restored and is along with the broken statue of Il Gigante in my previous post are a feature of the northern end of the beach.
.
.
.
#villapastine #monterosso #monterossoalmarecinqueterre #monterossoalmare #cinqueterrenationalpark #cinqueterrecoast #cinqueterreitaly #cinqueterre #solotravel #italytrip #madeinitaly #italianarchitecture #italianhistory #italianadventure #solotravelinitaly #traveltheworldwithme #neverstopexploring #neverstoptravelling #seetheworldthroughmyeyes #seeeverythingdoeverything
San Terenzo Castle has been looking over the town and beach since the 12th century, it has seen some stuff in it`s time!! All around the base of the castle is full of kayaks storage and other small boats waiting for a summer out on the bay.
.
.
#santerenzo #santerenzocastle ##santerenzobeach #medievalitaly #italianhistory #historicbuildingsenrichourlives #oldbuildingsmakemehappy #castles_oftheworld #kayaksandboats #solotravel #solotravelinitaly #solotrip #seeeverythingdoeverything #traveltheworldworldwithme #traveladdict #travelinitaly #italytrip #seetheworldthroughmyeyes #historygeek #historicitaly #lookouttower #madeinitaly
For more info about train travel in Italy and where I stayed on my recent solo Italian adventure to Venice, Florence, Siena, Pisa, La Spezia and Cinque Terre - click the link to my website in the bio.
.
#solotravelinitaly #solotravel #solotrip #italytravel #italianadventure #madeinitaly #tripovertoitaly #traveltheworldwithme #traveladdict #travelinitaly #italytrip #seetheworldthroughmyeyes
<a data-pin-do=”embedUser” data-pin-board-width=”400″ data-pin-scale-height=”800″ data-pin-scale-width=”200″ href=”https://www.pinterest.com.au/tripovertheworld/”></a>
