Al Ponte Antico Hotel
Trip Over to Venice
Arriving in Venice at around noon after a 3 hour drive from Como with Milan from Como Limousines, Milan showed us to a water taxi and our Venetian adventure began, it was hard to know whether to just look and take it all in or keep taking photos of this magnificent old city.
As we navigated the Grand Canal I caught sight of the Rialto Bridge in the distance, so knew we were nearly at the Al Ponte Antico Hotel, it came very highly recommended by friends in Sydney who had recently stayed there.
Oliver came out to meet us as our water taxi pulled up, it was like walking into another world as we entered this beautifully renovated palace from the 1500s through the centuries old gates. He took us upstairs and served coffee on the terrace where again we sat agog at the view of the Grand Canal, as we took in how this city of no roads goes about its day. Matteo, the most charming, calm, eloquent, gracious and sartorial elegant gentleman you could ever hope to meet, the owner of the hotel came out to introduce himself to us. He told us a bit about Venice and very proudly, (and rightly so), all about the hotel and the restoration he had done to bring it from the crumbling old palace he bought to the fine example of traditional Venetian interior design it now is.
Matteo then left us back with Oliver who recommended we go and have lunch at La Cantina, while our rooms were made ready. He gave us a map, and told us, “Getting lost in Venice is what everyone does, so don’t worry, it’s really just exploring.” It all looked fairly straight forward on the map, and we went out and promptly got lost! Eventually getting back on track after many more deviations for more photos, we had a very enjoyable lunch, sitting outside looking over Strada Nova watching the people go by. Looking at the map to find our way back to the hotel, I can’t believe we got lost, it’s almost a straight line!!
Oliver had finished his shift by the time we returned, we were welcomed back by Alex who showed us to our rooms – absolute heaven, I never wanted to leave, the furniture, the Murano Glass Chandeliers, the fabric wall coverings with corded edges – I couldn’t stop walking around the room admiring everything.
Breakfast is cooked every morning by Matteo, he whips up eggs and pancakes however you like them and there is the buffet selection (sorry, my photo shows empty plates – but that happens when the food is that good!) of juices, cold meats, fruit and pastries. Coffee is made in the vintage espresso machine and served on the terrace. At this point I very quickly realised that to see Venice I could just stay on the terrace all day watching the Grand Canal and how it is the life force of Venice. Water taxis, gondolas, ferries, barges delivering building materials and produce, barges taking garbage away, water ambulances, water fire engines, water police, water council rangers – everything we have on the roads, they have on the water. As you can see from my many photos taken from the terrace, even though the background is the same, the water traffic is always changing.
The Rialto Bridge was not looking its best as it was undergoing a major restoration while we were there, courtesy of the Diesel Fashion House, but Venice needs constant maintenance and the fashion industry often steps in providing the funds to see that this happens, all over Italy. I have heard criticism of these fashion houses for putting up advertising during the restoration and leaving a small sign afterwards. Personally, I can’t praise the Diesel enough for putting up the money, without them the alternative would be to let history crumble away leaving nothing for future generations to admire, they deserve to use the advertising space, they’re paying an absolute fortune for saving these monuments for all of us.
Alex and Oliver were never short of dinner recommendations, everything from modern pizza restaurants, to traditional home style Venetian food. They are full of information about where to go and what to see, when there will be less crowds, they are both born and bred Venetians and it is lovely chatting with them about Venice in their childhood, compared to now. There is a lot more to Venice than the Grand Canal and Piazza San Marco.
One of the most impressive things at the hotel was all the staff always call you by name, without waiting to be introduced. We did find out their secret when we returned late one night and Thomas, the night watchman, who we had not met before, greeted us with a hearty, “Good evening Lyn and Christine, have you had a good dinner?” How did he know our names and that we had been out for dinner? We got chatting with him and he revealed that when we give a photocopy of our passports on arrival, they copy the photo to leave at the front desk and put any relevant notes with it so the change of shift staff are aware of anything they need to know. Perfect, it adds an extra touch to the customer service and is very much appreciated.
Matteo had told us about other hotels that he and his family own, one other in Venice, one where he comes from on the coast north of Venice and a new one he is renovating in Tuscany. I’m sure all Peruch Boutique Hotels will be as fabulous as Al Ponte Antico.
Itinerary for Trip Over to Italy – Milan, Como and Venice
Qantas flight (Emirates code share) to Milan (Malpensa) from Sydney via Dubai
Stayed in Milan, Airbnb, for a week before going to Como
Picked up in Milan by Como Limousines and driven to Como
Stayed in Como, Airbnb, for 3 weeks
Picked up in Como by Como Limousines and driven to Venice
In Venice, water taxi to Al Ponte Antico Hotel for 3 nights and water taxi back
Picked up in Venice by Como Limousines and driven back to Como
Picked up in Como by Como Limousines and driven back to Milan (Malpensa) Airport
Qantas flight (Emirates code share) to Sydney via Dubai
#manarola #manarola5terre #cinqueterre #cinqueterreitaly #cinqueterrenationalpark #solotravelinitaly
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.
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#artgallery #nswartgallerysydney #nswartgallery #artoftheday #artlover #explorethecityyoulivein #seekandyoushallfind #seeeverythingdoeverything #seetheworldthroughmyeyes #traveltheworldworldwithme #sydney #sydneyaustralia #sydneylocal
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.
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#captaincook #stainlesssteelsculpture #nswartgallery #nswartgallerysydney #sydneyweekend #sydney #sydneylocal #sydneywalks #seeeverythingdoeverything #traveltheworldworldwithme #sydneylife #sydneystyle #explorethecityyoulivein
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.
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#monterossoalmarecinqueterre #monterosso #monterossoalmare #cinqueterrenationalpark #cinqueterrecoast #cinqueterreitaly #cinqueterre #italytrip #solotravel #solotravelinitaly #neverstopexploring #seeeverythingdoeverything #traveltheworldworldwithme #traveladdict #italianbeach #seekandyoushallfind #clearwater
The bell tower above the 13th century Church of Santa Margherita d`Antiochia in Vernazza on the Cinque Terre coast in Italy.
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#cinqueterreitaly #vernazza #vernazzaitaly #vernazzacinqueterre #cinqueterrenationalpark #lifebythesea #cinqueterre #cinqueterrecoast #solotravelinitaly #solotravel #solotrip #italianhistory #madeinitaly #medievalitaly #italianarchitecture #oldbuildingsmakemehappy #historicbuildingsenrichourlives #historicitaly #belltower
La Spezia, taken from the foot bridge out on the Marina. The ferries are waiting to head up the coast to the villages of Cinque Terre, and the palm trees along the water front providing shade for the park. Lovely place 🥂!!
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#laspeziaitaly #laspeziaharbourside #laspezia #italianferries #italianferries #italytrip #solotravelinitaly #solotrip #solotravel #solotravelingisfun #traveladdict #travelinitaly #neverstopexporing #neverstoptravelling #seetheworldthroughmyeyes #seeeverythingdoeverything #madeinitaly #boatsboatsboats #myitalianadventure
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!!
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#moulinrouge #floraldesign #royalbotanicgardens #fleursdevilles #flowerseverywhere #moulinrougewindmill #brightpinkflowers #sydneyinwinter #sydneylife #sydneystyle #seeeverythingdoeverything #seetheworldthroughmyeyes #traveltheworldworldwithme #explorethecityyoulivein #sydneylocal #myhometown #sydneyaustralia #sydney #sydney
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 😍 💖
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#portovenere #oldcitywalls #italianhistory #madeinitaly #medievalitaly #italianarchitecture #oldbuildingsmakemehappy #historicbuildingsenrichourlives #historicitaly #italytrip #seetheworldthroughmyeyes #traveltheworldwithme #neverstoptravelling #italytravel #italianadventure #italytravel #italiantrip #paradisefound #passionpassport
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!!
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#vernazza #vernazzaitaly #vernazzacinqueterre #cinqueterrenationalpark #cinqueterrecoast #cinqueterreitaly #cinqueterre helicopter #deliveringsupplies #vineyardsofitaly #seekandyoushallfind #seeeverythingdoeverything #solotravelinitaly #solotravel #solotrip #italytravel #italianadventure
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.
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#santerenzochedelgolfoepiubelfiore #santerenzo #santerenzobeach #lerici #lericicoast #lericiitaly #lericioutdoor #gulfofpoets #gulfofpoetsitaly #italianbeach #beforetheseason #solotrip #solotravel #solotravelinitaly #italytrip #seetheworldthroughmyeyes #neverstopexploring #travelinitaly #traveladdict #traveltheworldwithme
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.
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#giuseppegaribaldi #piazzagaribaldimonterossoalmare #monterosso #monterossoalmare #monterossoalmarecinqueterre #cinqueterrenationalpark #cinqueterrecoast #cinqueterreitaly #cinqueterre #solotravel #italytrip #madeinitaly #traveladdict #travelinitaly #solotrip #italianhistory #seeeverythingdoeverything #traveltheworldwithme #neverstopexploring #neverstoptravelling
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.
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#santerenzo #santerenzobeach #santerenzochedelgolfoepiubelfiore #santerenzolerici #solotravel #solotrip #solotravelinitaly #neverstopexploring #seeeverythingdoeverything #traveltheworldworldwithme #traveladdict #italianbeach #seekandyoushallfind #seeeverythingdoeverything #experiencelifethroughtravel #tompeloeil #italianarchitecture #madeinitaly #walkalongthebay
Half way around the bay on my walk from Lerici to San Terenzo, looking over one of the beach clubs, still closed before the season starts, to Lerici Castle and the town of Lerici.
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#santerenzo #santerenzobeach #santerenzolerici #santerenzochedelgolfoepiubelfiore
#lerici #lericicoast #lericicastle #Italiancoast #traveltheworldwithme #solotravel #solotravelinitaly #seekandyoushallfind #beforetheseason
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.
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#portovenereitaly #portovenere #oldcitywalls #italianarchitecture #italianhistory #madeinitaly #tripovertoitaly #traveltheworldwithme #historicitaly #lookouttower #solotravel #solotrip #solotravelinitaly #italianadventure #seekandyoushallfind #seeeverythingdoeverything #seetheworldthroughmyeyes #traveltheworldwithme #traveladdict #chiesadisanlorenzoportovenere #oldbuildingsmakemehappy #historicbuildingsenrichourlives #boatsboatsboats #downbythewater
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.....
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#santerenzo #santerenzobeach #santerenzochedelgolfoepiubelfiore #santerenzolerici #solotravel #solotrip #solotravelinitaly #neverstopexploring #seeeverythingdoeverything #seetheworldthroughmyeyes #traveltheworldwithme #traveladdict #travelinitaly #italytrip #italytravel #earlyspringinitaly #emptybeach #seasidewalk #passagiato
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!!
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#sydney #royalbotanicgardens #fountaininthepark #walkinthepark #seetheworldthroughmyeyes #seekandyoushallfind #neverstopexplroring #sydneyweekend #sydneylife #sydneyaustralia #sydneyharbourwalks #sydneystyle #sydneywalks
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.....
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#fleursdevilles #royalbotanicgardens #italianexhibit #sydney #sydneyaustralia #sydneylocal #sydneyinwinter #sydneylife #explorethecityyoulivein #seekandyoushallfind #seeeverythingdoeverything #experiencelifethroughtravel #traveltheworldworldwithme #sydneyweekend
The wine growing terraces rising up behind the village of Manarola on the Cinque Terre coat of Italy, see as the ferry moves north towards Corniglia.
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#manarola #manarola5terre #manarolacinqueterre #manarolaitaly #cinqueterrecoast #cinqueterreitaly #cinqueterrenationalpark #cinqueterre #solotravel #solotrip #solotravelinitaly #neverstopexploring #wineterraces #seetheworldthroughmyeyes #traveltheworldwithme #traveladdict #travelinitaly #madeinitaly
The crystal clear waters at Manarola in the Cinque Terre National Park.
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#manarola #manarola5terre #manarolacinqueterre #manarolaitaly #cinqueterrecoast #solotravelinitaly #solotravel #neverstopexploring #traveltheworldwithme #crystalclearwater #rocksunderwater #rockycoastline #seetheworldthroughmylens #neverstoptravelling #solotrip #seeeverythingdoeverything
The village of Manarola, in Cinque Terre National Park, another cluster of coloured homes in a valley leading to the sea, and the grape growing terraces rising up behind them. The local wine industry still thrives as the influx of tourists that crowd into the village don`t get to spill up into the terraces 🥂!!
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#manarola #manar#manarolacinqueterre #manarolaitaly #cinqueterrecoast #cinqueterreitaly #cinqueterrenationalpark #cinqueterre #travelbyboat #outonthewater #seekandyoushallfind #seetheworldthroughmyeyes #traveltheworldwithme #neverstoptravelling #italytravel #italianadventure #madeinitaly #tripovertoitaly #solotravel #solotrip
After arriving at Riomaggiore Station, you then walk through a tunnel from the village to the harbour. The tunnel is lined with mosaics of sea creatures and water scenes. Riomaggiore is just a few minutes by train from La Spezia.
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#riomaggiorecinqueterreitaly #riomaggioreitaly #riomaggiore #riomaggiorecinqueterre #cinqueterreitaly #cinqueterrenationalpark #cinqueterre #solotravel #solotrip #solotravelinitaly #solotravelingisfun #seekandyoushallfind #seeeverythingdoeverything #seetheworldthroughmyeyes #traveltheworldworldwithme #traveladdict #travelinitaly #mosaicart #mosaicartwork #artinpublicplaces
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!!
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#lerici #lericicoast #lericiitaly #italianarchitecture #italianhistory #madeinitaly #oratoriodisanrocco #oratoriodisanroccolerici #solotravel #solotravelinitaly #italytrip #seetheworldthroughmyeyes #historicbuildingsenrichourlives #oldbuildingsmakemehappy #historicitaly #belltower #clocktower #exploretheworld #neverstopexploring #seeeverythingdoeverything
The Lookout tower of Castello dei Doria, part of the 13th century Genovese fortifications to fend off attacks in the middle ages.
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#vernazza #vernazzaitaly #vernazzacinqueterre #cinqueterrenationalpark #cinqueterrecoast #cinqueterreitaly #cinqueterre #castellodeidoria #castellodeidoriavernazza #solotravel #solotravelinitaly #solotrip #oldbuildingsmakemehappy #historicbuildingsenrichourlives #medievalitaly #italianarchitecture #madeinitaly #tripovertoitaly #traveltheworldwithme #historicitaly #lookouttower #cityfortifications
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.
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#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!!
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#portovenere #portovenereitaly #latavernadivenere #seafoodspaghetti #deliciouspasta #fishandchips #deliciousitalianfood #solotravel #solotravelinitaly #solotrip #seeeverythingdoeverything #traveltheworldworldwithme #travelinitaly #neverstopexporing #neverstoptravelling #italytravel #madeinitaly #traveladdict
My walk towards San Terenzo from Lerici continues, past this very rocky section of the bay, towards the next empty beach.....I know this beach would have been a hive of activity the day after I was here, it was much warmer and a beautul sunny day.....but I was off to Pisa that day.
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#santerenzo #santerenzobeach #santerenzochedelgolfoepiubelfiore #santerenzolerici #lerici #lericicoast #lericiitaly #lericioutdoor #gulfofpoets #italytrip #madeinitaly #traveladdict #laspezia #italianadventure #italytravel #earlyspringinitaly #emptybeach #seasidewalk #traveltheworldwithme #neverstopexploring #neverstoptravelling
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.
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#monterossoalmarecinqueterre #monterosso #monterossoalmare #cinqueterrenationalpark #cinqueterrecoast #cinqueterreitaly #cinqueterre #solotravel #italytrip #madeinitaly #traveladdict #travelinitaly #solotrip #solotravelinitaly #neverstopexploring #seeeverythingdoeverything #traveltheworldworldwithme #outonthewater #italianbeach #travelinitaly
San Terenzo castle looking over the deserted beach as the boats and chairs get rolled out ready for beach weather, that actually arrived the day after I was there.
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#santerenzo #santerenzolerici #santerenzobeach #lerici #lericicoast #santerenzocastle #dessertedbeach #boatsboatsboats #gettingbeachready #tripovertoitaly #traveltheworldwithme #traveladdict #travelinitaly #solotravel #italytrip #seetheworldthroughmyeyes #neverstopexploring #seeeverythingdoeverything #daytripfromlaspezia
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.
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#santerenzo #santerenzocastle ##santerenzobeach #medievalitaly #italianhistory #historicbuildingsenrichourlives #oldbuildingsmakemehappy #castles_oftheworld #kayaksandboats #solotravel #solotravelinitaly #solotrip #seeeverythingdoeverything #traveltheworldworldwithme #traveladdict #travelinitaly #italytrip #seetheworldthroughmyeyes #historygeek #historicitaly #lookouttower #madeinitaly
Corniglia is the only one of the villages along the Cinque Terre coastline you can get to by road, which must be an enormous help for the people who live there.
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#corniglia #cornigliacinqueterre #corniglia5terre #cinqueterrenationalpark #cinqueterrecoast #cinqueterreitaly #cinqueterre #solotravel #italytrip #madeinitaly #solotrip #solotravelinitaly #neverstopexploring #seeeverythingdoeverything #traveltheworldworldwithme #viewfromthetop #seetheworldthroughmyeyes #traveladdict
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.
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#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
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.
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#focacceriaportovenere #portovenere #portovenereitaly #pastacurtains #solotravelinitaly #solotravel #solotrip #italianhistory #madeinitaly #medievalitaly #italianarchitecture #oldbuildingsmakemehappy #seekandyoushallfind #seeeverythingdoeverything #experiencelifethroughtravel #traveltheworldworldwithme #daytripfromlaspezia #insidethecastlewalls
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.
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#portovenere #laspeziatomontarosaferry #daytripfromlaspezia #chiesasanpietro #chiesadisanpietroportovenere #medievalitaly #italianhistory #madeinitaly #italianarchitecture #oldbuildingsmakemehappy #historicbuildingsenrichourlives #historicitaly #italytrip #seetheworldthroughmyeyes #neverstopexploring #traveltheworldwithme #solotravel #solotrip #solotravelinitaly #italianadventure
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.
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#chiesadisanlorenzo #chiesadisanlorenzoportovenere #blackandwhitemarble #historicbuildingsenrichourlives #oldbuildingsmakemehappy #seekandyoushallfind #seetheworldthroughmylens #seeeverythingdoeverything #medievalitaly #italianarchitecture #madeinitaly #tripovertoitaly #solotravel #italianadventure #italianhistory #italytrip #italytravel #tallship #bayofpoets #belltower #viewfromthetop
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.
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#portovenereitaly #portovenere #oldcitywalls #italianarchitecture #italianadventure #madeinitaly #tripovertoitaly #traveltheworldwithme #historicitaly #lookouttower #solotravel #solotrip #solotravelinitaly #neverstopexploring #medievalitaly #ancientcastle #chiesadisanpietroportovenere #viewfromthetop #seekandyoushallfind #seetheworldthroughmylens #seeeverythingdoeverything #experiencelifethroughtravel #
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.
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#monterosso #monterossoalmare #monterossoalmarecinqueterre #cinqueterrenationalpark #cinqueterrecoast #cinqueterreitaly #cinqueterre #ilgigante #ilgigantemonterosso #ilgigantemonterrossoalmare #artinpublicplaces #brokenman #sculptureontherocks #solotravel #solotrip #solotravelinitaly #neverstopexploring #italianhistory #exploringitaly
Sea creatures carved into the rocks in a wall in Vernazza, Cinque Terre. Each of the villages has a quirky art work somewhere!!
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#carvedrocks #artinpublicplaces #vernazza #vernazzaitaly #vernazzacinqueterre #cinqueterrenationalpark #cinqueterrecoast #cinqueterreitaly #cinqueterre #solotravel #solotrip #italytravel #italianadventure #madeinitaly #solotrip #seeeverythingdoeverything #traveltheworldworldwithme #traveladdict #neverstopexploring #neverstoptravelling #seetheworldthroughmyeyes
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!!
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#churchofsantamargheritadantiochia #vernazzaitaly #vernazza #vernazzacinqueterre #cinqueterrenationalpark #cinqueterrecoast #cinqueterreitaly #cinqueterre #guitarontherocks #umbrellasofitaly #lifebythesea #solotravel #solotrip #italianhistory #madeinitaly #medievalitaly #italianarchitecture #oldbuildingsmakemehappy #historicbuildingsenrichourlives #historicitaly #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.
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#lerici #lericicoast #lericicastle #lericiitaly #santaanastasiachapellericicastle #medievalchapel #medievalitaly #oldbuildingsmakemehappy #historicbuildingsenrichourlives #historicitaly #italytrip #seetheworldthroughmyeyes #traveltheworldwithme #neverstoptravelling #solotravelinitaly #solotrip #solotravel #italianadventure #madeinitaly #italianhistory #castlechapel
Vernazza, the 4th of the Cinque Terre villages as I head north on the ferry from La Spezia to Montarossa al Mare. My plan was to catch the ferry all the way up the Cinque Terre coast, then work my way back by train, stopping in at each village.
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#vernazza #vernazzaitaly #vernazzacinqueterre #cinqueterrenationalpark #cinqueterrecoast #cinqueterreitaly #cinqueterre #solotravel #italytrip #madeinitaly #traveladdict #travelinitaly #solotrip #solotravelinitaly #neverstopexploring #travelbyboat #outonthewater #seekandyoushallfind #seetheworldthroughmyeyes #traveltheworldwithme
The Fallen Angel lying in Piazza dei Miracoli near the Leaning Tower of Pisa. No he didn`t fall and hit his head, he was created this way, representing the fragility of life. Who knew angels were so buff??
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#fallenangel #fallenangelpisa #piazzadeimiracoli #pisaitaly #pisatrip #pisa #pisafieldofmiracles #fieldofmiracles #italytravel #italianart #italiantrip #madeinitaly #solotravel #solotravelinitaly #neverstopexploring #seeeverythingdoeverything #seekandyoushallfind #seetheworldthroughmyeyes
Look at all those steps!! Fortunately, just down the road there is a lift and funicular to get you up to where the castle is. But I suppose if you live half way up, you wouldn`t want to forget the milk!!
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#laspeziaitaly #laspezia #laspeziacentro #solotravelinitaly #neverstopexploring #seeeverythingdoeverything #seetheworldthroughmyeyes #traveltheworldwithme #neverstoptravelling #solotrip #steps #manymanysteps #manymanystepstoclimb #solotravel #italytrip #madeinitaly #exploringlaspezia
Manarola, the 2nd village in the Cinque Terre National Park as you head north from La Spezia. The water runs down from the hills, under the village and into the sea.
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#manarola #manarola5terre #madeinitaly #manarolacinqueterre #manarolaitaly #cinqueterrecoast #cinqueterreitaly #cinqueterrenationalpark #lifebythesea #outonthewater #solotravel #italytrip #seetheworldthroughmyeyes #traveltheworldwithme #traveladdict #neverstopexploring #travelinitaly #solotrip #solotravelinitaly
Inside the 13th century Santa Margherita d`Antiochia Church in Vernazza.
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#cinqueterreitaly #vernazza ##vernazzaitaly #vernazzacinqueterre #cinqueterrenationalpark #cinqueterrecoast #solotravelinitaly #santamargheritadantiochia #medievalitaly #13thcenturyarchitecture #italianarchitecture #italianhistory #madeinitaly #tripovertoitaly #traveltheworldwithme #historicbuildingsenrichourlives #oldbuildingsmakemehappy #blackandwhitemarble #seekandyoushallfind
The pond in Sydney`s Royal Botanic Gardens, with glimpses of Sydney Harbour in the background.
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#royalbotanicgardens #sydney #sydneyaustralia #sydneylocal #sydneyinwinter #sydneylife #explorethecityyoulivein #seekandyoushallfind #seetheworldthroughmyeyes #seetheworldthroughmylens #pondinthepark #walkinthepark #sydneyharbour #sydneyharbourwalks
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.
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#lerici #lericicoast #lericicastle #lericiitaly #lericioutdoor #gulfofpoets #gulfofpoetsitaly #boatsboatsboats #boatsonthebay #solotravel #solotrip #solotravelinitaly #neverstopexploring #seeeverythingdoeverything #traveltheworldworldwithme #traveladdict #travelinitaly #italytrip #madeinitaly #italianarchitecture #oldbuildingsmakemehappy #historicbuildingsenrichourlives #medievalitaly #oldstonecastle #
Early morning in Corniglia, shutters are still closed, the garbage is out for collection, in a few hours it will be standing room only!!
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#corniglia #cornigliacinqueterre #corniglia5terre #cinqueterrenationalpark #cinqueterrecoast #cinqueterreitaly #cinqueterre #solotravel #italytrip #madeinitaly #solotrip #solotravelinitaly #neverstopexploring #seeeverythingdoeverything #seetheworldthroughmyeyes #traveltheworldwithme #traveladdict #stepsstepsandmoresteps #italianadventure
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!!
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#stepsorlift #lerici #lericicoast #lericicastle #lericiitaly #lericioutdoor #lifttothecastle #hiddentunnel #kayakstorage #solotrip #solotravelinitaly #neverstopexploring #seeeverythingdoeverything #traveltheworldworldwithme #traveladdict #travelinitaly #italytrip #madeinitaly #solotravel #italianadventure #seekandyoushallfind #stepsstepsandmoresteps
The water at Manarola on the Cinque Terre coast is so clear. When I was there it was a bit cool for swimming, but it looked very inviting!!
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#manarola #manarolaitaly #cinqueterrecoast #cinqueterreitaly #cinqueterrenationalpark #lifebythesea #outonthewater #solotravel #solotrip #solotravelinitaly #neverstopexploring #seeeverythingdoeverything #traveltheworldworldwithme #travelinitaly #seekandyoushallfind #seetheworldthroughmyeyes #clearwaters #italianadventure #madeinitaly #manarolacinqueterre
