Cascading charm of Cinque Terre - ITALY

Cinque Terre consists of five small villages along the Italian Riveria - Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore, known collectively as '5 Terre' (5 Lands). Each village has the same atmosphere of tranquil surrounds, with amazing unspoilt areas. Yet each neighbourhood has it's own charm and magnetic allure. From the sea, the landscape of each passing village looks like mountainous greenery, purposely flaked in specific areas ,with an assortment of scrumptious coloured candy, cascading towards the sea and ceasing just before the surface of the ocean waters – pure ecstasy for the eyes, that is one magnificent corner of Italy.

Depending on your plans, Cinque Terre can be a place from one extremity to the other - it can be a place for complete unwinding and relaxation or it can be a thigh burning boot camp, that may leave you hankering for more or slumped somewhere, upon the achievement of the leg demanding muscle hike.

Getting from one village to the next is easy and can be done in any three ways - by train, boat or foot. The train rides are quick and air-conditioned for comfort during the summer heat, shooting through tunnels straight through the hills, from one town to the next. The boat rides take longer, but you get impressive views of the villages from the sea and a close up as they come to the port for pick-up and drop-offs.

By foot, it takes about one and a half hours (give or take depending on your fitness level and the route) to hike and you get the breathtaking views from the hilltop perspective - this time out to sea and down at the villages as you approach the end of the trail, descending into the town (the view from Monterosso al Mare into Vernazza is especially a treat, especially after the long hike).

There is a small fee to pay to hike the trails, that goes towards maintaining and keeping the trails safe for hikers., Pay the price and take a hike for the scenery - it's worth it. Make sure you wear comfortable walking shoes and have plenty of water for those hot days. Otherwise an early morning hike is best during the summer months, as it can feel like a nicely air-conditioned room, but out in the openness amongst the trees.

View of Riomaggiore from the boat

Train tunnel through the hillside

Hiking trail

View of Vernazza at the end of the hike from Monterosso

The village of Vernazza

Monterosso al Mare is the largest and busiest village of the five, with the longest stretch of sandy beach, decked with lounge chairs and umbrellas for comfort under the sun. Compared to the others, this town certainly has plenty of restaurants along the seaside, as well as within the town itself. Here you won't be limited by choice to dine, as there are many restaurants to choose from. Also along the seaside in Monterosso al Mare, there is a small stretch that is occupied by a market that selling arts, crafts and souvenirs, for a nice little browse of handmade local goods.

Monterosso al Mare beach

Monterosso al Mare seaside market

Corniglia is one of the smaller and quieter villages, with the best spot being down at the Marina. Once in the town follow the 'Marina' signs down slopes and stairs, where you'll meet a gorgeously small secluded cove, perfect for a swim after a long hike. So bring your bathing suit or wear it under your clothes for a quick strip and entrance into the cooling waters. If you're arriving to Corniglia by train, be prepared to walk up over 350 steps to the tops of the hillside as the village sits about 100 metres above the sea. 

The village of Corniglia

Corniglia Marina

Corniglia steps to the village

With a landscape appearance that's hard to tear your eyes away from, Riomaggiore is the most charming and attractive of the five villages - picture postcard perfect! A town fair in size and similar scale wise to Vernazza, Riomaggiore has a number restaurants, cafes and shops down the main street (via Colombo) to choose from. There is also a cove in Riomaggiore, slightly larger than the one at Corniglia, just pass the boating docks (where you would catch the boat to the next village). This cove is busier with sunbathers on the shore, but still beautiful all the same. 

The village of Riomaggiore

Riomaggiore main street

Riomaggiore cove just pass the boating docks

 
If you're after a holiday for the attractions, museums and busy nightlife, Cinque Terre is definitely not it. On the other hand, if you're looking to get away from the concrete cities and bustling life, for a stress free unravelling weekend, Cinque Terre would be right on spot for fulfilling that pleasure. With earthly coloured rainbow avalanches of architecture, amongst natures greens and the clear blue waters, along the shoreline, Cinque Terre is a little piece of placid paradise Italian style - bellissimo!

Riomaggiore

View of Vernazza from the boat

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Ravishing Venice - ITALY

A place that should be everyone's bucket list to go see is Venice - it's hard to describe and compare the city's beauty to any other, as it really is one of it's kind. Perhaps best described as a luxurious open-air waterway museum, complete with interconnecting islands of architectural beauty, since the city dates back to over a thousand years.

Approaching closer to the canals, the feeling is absolute awe ,with the city overflowing with grand majestic elegance, streams of teal like coloured waterway canals, running through the city like an amusement park maze. Venetian antiquated architectural buildings, giving the deception of floating effortlessly on water, with each narrow solid ground street island connected by stone bridges, for ease of getting from one place to another. Any means of transport with wheels is forbidden, meaning the only way to go about is by foot or boat, as cars would be impossible and scooters, bicycles, roller-blades and skateboards are not permitted.

The most scenic and dazzling backdrop of Venice is by the 'Rialto Bridge.' The oldest bridge to span across the Grand Canal, built from stone and occupied by shops down along both sides selling jewellery, souvenirs and other items.

Continuing across the bridge into the San Polo area, there are more souvenir markets as well as the local food, fish and meat markets. Many cafes and restaurants can also be found along the 'Grand Canal,' which can be the ideal place for a relaxing lunch or dinner, while watching the world drift by on the glistening waters.

View of Venice from under the Rialto Bridge

The Rialto Bridge on the right

The markets at the end of the Rialto Bridge on the San Polo

 
Whatever your sightseeing interests are, you would have seen the best upon approaching Venice, floating through the canals and wandering about on foot, but the city has other sights to offer if you have exhausted strolling through the open-air museum, that is Venice. 

A popular area is St. Marks Square or in Italian 'Piazza San Marco' - the largest square in the city. In and around the square you will find St. Marks Basilica, the Campanile (the bell tower), Doge's Palace as well as more restaurants, cafes and markets. A 360 degree view of Venice can be had, by heading up to the top of the bell tower, for a better perspective of the city's landscape area.

The Bell Tower with St. Marks Basilica and the Doge's Palace in the background

View of St. Marks Square from the bell tower

If you fancy a gondola ride, there are a few gondola docks around with the popular ones being at the Rialto Bridge or on the edge of St. Marks Square. You can't miss it, just look for the slender long black boats complete with your own Gondolier, dressed in black trousers, a shirt of black and white or red horizontal stripes, topped off with a beige straw hat and red ribbon.

It costs about €80 per gondola for a half hour ride, which seems expensive, but if you're going to ride a gondola anywhere in the world, do it in Venice. You'll also receive a short history of the city as you glide through the canals, skilfully manoeuvred by your designated Gondolier.

On a gondola ride

Being in Venice, you can forget about using a map. Getting lost and exploring the city on your own terms is the best way to do it, especially with the city not being overly immense you're more then likely to come across all the must see areas, simply by strolling the streets. Also forget about keeping to a timed schedule, as Venice is a city for taking it in stride and absorbing it's brilliant beauty, above all else. Although there are many tourist, the atmosphere is serene, which might have something to do with being surrounded by the calming waters. The marvellously admirable man-made city is gradually immersing into the waters – so go see!

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Flourished Florence - ITALY

Within the Tuscany region of Italy lies a small city, famed for its rich Renaissance views - Florence. Pretty as a picture from the hilltops of the Piazzale Michelangelo, the dome of the Duomo reveals itself above the surrounding buildings. The Old Bridge (Ponte Vecchio) uniquely distinguished from any of the others. The Piazza della Signoria speckled with sculptures. The excitement of the bustling markets and the glistening Arno River, tying everything together, making Florence a treasured Italian city.

Exquisite panoramic views of Florence can be had, by heading up into the Tuscan hills to the 'Piazzale Michelangelo' a square. As the name suggests, dedicated to the great Renaissance artist himself. The square is a popular destination for it's breathtaking terrain, that your eyes will sweep over repeatedly, so that you can take it in again and again. In the center of the square there is a bronze replica statue of Michelangelo's acclaimed 'David,' overlooking the city. You can do the same, by sitting at one of the cafes in the area to watch the sun descend on the region, it will be an image stamped in your memory forever, simply stunning.

View from Piazzale Michelangelo

View of the Duomo from the Piazzale Michelangelo  

Piazzale Michelangelo 

Cafe at the Piazzale Michelangelo

Wandering through the heart of the city, you'll stumble across the 'Duomo' or more formally known as the 'Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore.' Completed around 1436, it is a work of constructed art. Built from pink, green and white marble, with every section intricately craved to the finest detail, from statues to edging, making the exterior far exceeding the gothic style interior within. So unlike many other cathedrals, the beauty of this one has been turned inside out. Entry into the Duomo is free and although you would have already witnessed the best from the view point outside, it's only fair to see what this beauty holds.

The Duomo (Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore)

Front of the Duomo

Back view of the Duomo

Inside the Duomo

 

The oldest bridge in Florence is the 'Ponte Vecchio' (Old Bridge). This bridge extends across the Arno River, dating back to around the year 1345. It's a unique bridge and is easily distinguished from the others, with the entire bridge span consisting of shop buildings down along both sides, once having been occupied by butchers and grocers, now filled with jewellery merchants selling gold, silver and diamonds. The bridge is for pedestrians only, and for pedestrians only it is, saturated with people looking into store windows or taking photos of the view, however the best view of the 'Ponte Vecchio' is best appreciated from another bridge.
 

The Ponte Vecchio (Old Bridge)

The Ponte Vecchio (Old Bridge) by night

The 'Piazza della Signoria' is Florence's main square, surrounded by many cafes and restaurants and consisting of an open-air gallery, displaying Renaissance sculptures positioned under the 'Loggia dei Lanzi'. From there, you can also see the 'Fountain of Neptune' and another reproduction of Michelangelo's 'David.'  To see the authentic piece of 'David,' once crafted by the Michelangelo himself, head to the 'Accademia Gallery Museum,' where the 5.17 metre white marbled sculpture resides.

Piazza della Signoria (main square)

Loggia dei Lanzi (open-air gallery)

Reproduction of Michelangelo's 'David' 

Fountain of Neptune in the Piazza della Signoria

Two popular markets in Florence are the 'Loggia del Marcato Nuovo' and the 'San Lorenzo,' also known as the Central Market (Marcato Centrale).

The Loggia del Marcato Nuovo is a small and cosy market, located a short walk up the street from the Old Bridge. The market was built in the 16th Century as an undercover market, with the roofing held up by multiple stone columns throughout. During the earlier periods the market sold luxury goods such as silks, nowadays the market sells leather products and souvenirs catered more for the many tourists.

The San Lorenzo market consists of two markets - an outdoor market, running along side the San Lorenzo Cathedral and down a couple of streets, selling leather goods/souvenirs and an indoor market selling food produce.

The excitement and bargains at Florence markets is what makes them popular, but beware of paying top dollar for fake leather goods. Florence is a haven for leather goods, having stores practically down every street, but know your leathers so that you're not getting cut short.

The empty Loggia del Marcato Nuovo at night

San Lorenzo Market (Central Market)

Florence is a fine flourished Tuscan city with award winning views, riding with a history composed of great Renaissance artistry, fashioning the city landscape into one as beautiful as its name reflects. The heart of the city throbs with life, through every street vein flowing with locals and tourist, beating around the town, taking in what Florence has to offer. From architectural beauties to lively markets and scenic scopes - this is one city sight for sore eyes… truly gorgeous, go visit!
 

Arno River with the Old Bridge in the distance

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Roaming around Rome - ITALY

Rome - the capital of Italy boasts historical value, being home to some of the most recognised monuments - the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Trevi Fountain and Pantheon, only to name a few as well as the State - Vatican City, wrapped by the city of Rome.

The landscape of the city from every angle is gorgeously stunning, oozing Roman architectural opulence, from large stone ancient structures to multi-level earthly coloured homes, with potted plants hanging from window sills, all giving Rome it's welcoming look of warmth. Cobble stoned streets and endless narrow side streets, shared between both vehicles and pedestrians, the electricity of the piazza's, where entertainers turn the square into their stage, drawing a crowd to perform. All this combined Rome is a tourist Mecca, for its magnetic sun-kissed charm.

Roughly in the centre of Rome, a monumental structure stands - the Colosseum. Once an amphitheatre, which inspired future stadiums, was built entirely of stone and steel clamps, used for gladiator battles, animal battles and executions. Capable of seating thousands upon thousands of people on differing levels, according to class and social status.

The outer perspective of the Colosseum is incredible, with endless arch windows encircling the amphitheatre, with parts of the upper floor walls missing. The inside panorama is also staggering, having once being able to seat up to 80,000 spectators for the showcasing of outrageous games, that one today can only imagine. In the center of the amphitheatre, the walls are closer together, once being the enclosures where gladiators and animals were held before being hulled up in a cage to ground level, for their fight of survival. A magnificent ancient structure, once bearing gory battles one must truly see.

Colosseum 

Inside the Colosseum

Inside the Colosseum

The Roman Forum, once the central district for the Romans during the middle ages, is now an open air museum. Located close to the Colosseum, that can be seen from the footpaths. However, to get a historical sense and detailed background, a guided tour will immerse your knowledge with some interesting facts.

During excavations, it was discovered that the Romans simply built over what once stood, if no longer needed. So they would use pieces of unused buildings that included marble statues or columns, along with dirt to fill in the ground and build on top of abandoned buildings. A staircase ending 3 meters below a door can be seen, not because it wasn't completely built, but because the ground was simply built up and up, burying everything that once previously stood in its place. So layer upon layer, lies ruins from previous times.

Roman Forum Museum

Roman Forum Museum

The Trevi Fountain or in Italian the 'Fontana di Trevi' is the most famous fountain of them all. A popular destination at all hours of everyday, the fountain is scattered with tourist tossing coins over their shoulders into the waters for a wish - they say the correct way is by tossing the coin from your right hand, over your left shoulder, so I guess 'do as the Romans do.'

The background setting of the fountain consists of a large stone building, called the Palazzo Poli with statues of muscled men, delicate angels and rambunctious horses. Making this fountain possibly the most attractive in the world, easy to see why the fountain was the chosen location for scenes in several movies.

Trevi Fountain

A short distance from the Trevi Fountain, you can find a Roman temple called the Pantheon, built around 127 AD. Unlike many temples, or in fact any buildings, this temple was strangely constructed with no windows. However it does have a gapping hole, measuring about 9 metres across, positioned in the center of the dome ceiling. This was to allow sunlight to penetrate into the temple, which also meant the rain. A visit to the Pantheon is free, so if you're in the area, it's a nice to see, especially if it's raining.

Pantheon

Pantheon - hole in the ceiling dome

Engulfed by the city of Rome is the 'Vatican City State.' With the most recognisable face being St Peter's Square, directly in front of St Peter's Basilica, the square (more like a semi-circle) is surrounded by countless columns called the colonnades, being four columns deep with a number of effortlessly elegant statues standing above, overlooking the area.

The entry into St Peter's Basilica is free and if you can endure the lengthy lines, you'll get a glimpse inside one of the largest churches in the world. The Church encapsulates great works of art from the interior design to paintings and sculptures. Amongst these is an acclaimed marble sculpture, crafted by Michelangelo, of a sorrowfully pained mother (Virgin Mary) clutching her dead child (Jesus) called the 'Pieta.' 

The church was designed by a few Roman architects, that included Michelangelo, who was considered to be one of the greatest artists of his time. And hence with the contribution of Michelangelo's artistic eye for detail St. Peter's Basilica is one of the most intriguingly beautiful churches ever built.

St. Peter's Basilica

St. Peter's Square with St. Peter's Basilica in the distance

Colonnades at St. Peter's Square

Inside St. Peter's Basilica

Sculpture by Michelangelo - 'Pieta'

Inside St. Peter's Basilica with St. Peter's Baldachin (bronze sculpture) on the left

The Vatican Museum is a must see for those who have an appreciation for fine art. The museum is like a palace vault, housing some of the greatest art collections in the world. Containing the treasures of many precious statues and paintings, from widely known artists such Raffaello and Michelangelo.

One of the most famous and distinct known paintings is 'The Creation of Adam' by the Michelangelo, on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. In this room, a collection of delicately hand painted masterpieces cover all four walls and ceiling. The Vatican Museum is absolutely remarkable, in every way. A wondrous tour from room to room, corridor to corridor the finest works can be seen by simply looking up.

Sistine Chapel ceiling with 'The Creation of Adam' by Michelangelo

One of the corridors inside the Vatican Museum (ceiling view)

All the buzz in Rome is at the the piazza's and the most popular one is the 'Piazza Navona.' Surrounded by restaurants and home to the 'Fountain of Four Rivers' (Fiumi Fountain). Within the square, buskers energise the atmosphere with entertainment and street artists taking strokes to paper, creating works of Italian backdrops. If you're feeling puckish, no matter which Italian restaurant you choose, the bets are the food's going to be good.

Nearby is another piazza called the 'Piazza Campo de Fiori'. Also a square wreathed by restaurants, and also comprised of a daily market, offering all sorts of packaged pasta, spices, fresh fruits and vegetables. Both squares sparkle with life, making either ideal locations for a sit down, a spot of people watching and perhaps some pizza or pasta.

Piazza Novona scattered with artist

Piazza Novona

Piazza Campo di Fiori

Many people love Rome and it's easy to see why. It's a city with enchanting views at every turn of the head, particularly on a glorious day at a time when the sun descends and the sunlight hits the city walls. Rome makes you feel like you're standing in a painting, stroked by the Michelangelo himself. A city of absolute beauty and a must visit, not only for the many renown historical sites ,but also the cured meats, pasta, pizza and gelato! Seeing most of Rome, can easily done on the 'City Sightseeing' buses, that allow you to get on and off where your journey desires. Otherwise if you prefer to walk, all the top destinations are a stroll from one another so there's no reason not roam Rome like the Romans did.

City sightseeing tour bus

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