Veneto Venezia

In May, 2019 I journeyed to Italy. Our primary purpose was to explore the Tuscany region, but our first stop was in Venice, which was my favorite by far. What words can describe Venice? It's the most beautiful city I've ever seen. Mysterious. Magical. Historical. Mythical. Multicolored, ancient buildings dipping and dripping into waterways. The eerie calm of the fetid canals. Venetian Prosecco, the best I've ever tasted. And the rain. The rain. The rain!

Soggy Street

Cathedral

Heavenly Heights

Waterway

Alley

Into The Mystic
Copyright 2019, Kathy Neudorf

Toscana - Firenze

Our first Tuscan destination was Florence, Tuscany's capital. Florence is known as the Cradle of the Renaissance, with very good reason. Sadly I only visited for one day, so was unable to fully explore its magnificent offerings. But what I saw made me very thirsty for more.

Window Covering

Facade 1

Stairs of Antiquity

Store Front

Basilica of Santa Maria Novella

Pillar

On River's Path

Window

Door Decor

The River Arno 

Relief

Copyright 2019, Kathy Neudorf

Toscana - San Gimigniano and the Via Francigena

 Our first excursion took us to the historic hill town of San Gimigniano. We walked the iconic Via Francigena, following the centuries old route of pilgrims. The weather was perfect; the warm spring breezes complementing the breathtaking views. The town was like nothing I'd ever seen before, and the countryside was beyond words.

 

Via Francigena

 

Glorious Tuscan Countryside

City Walls

Monuments
 

San Gimigniano
 

Tree Tops

 

Olive Grove

Copyright 2019, Kathy Neudorf

 

Toscana - Casino Di Terra

 Our home base was Fattoria Belvedere, an accommodation near the tiny village of Casino Di Terra. Although I do not usually promote here, this place is a wonderful destination, with easy access to the hill towns and glorious Tuscan countryside. While there I savored the surrounding landscape, and was rewarded again and again. 
 

Golden Hour

Willow

Willow's Path

Poolside

Bales

Tuscan Landscape

Green, Green, Green

Willows Too

Sentinals
Copyright 2019, Kathy Neudorf
 



Toscana - Volterra

I was part of a walking tour, so explored many areas on foot. We visited the hill town of Volterra, where I wandered the lanes and alleyways for hours. It was an amazing time, discovering treasure at every turn. 

Going Home

Door Number 7

Courtyard

Arches

Distant Slopes

Hanging It Up

Bend In The Road

Textures

Bike Decor

Light At The End Of The Tunnel

Over The Rooftops
Copyright 2019, Kathy Neudorf

Toscana - Siena

One of our stops was the lovely hillside town of Siena. The weather was quite stormy during our visit. This enhanced the breath taking views of the medieval buildings. 

Roofs and Towers
Copyright 2019, Kathy Neudorf

Toscana - Marina di Cecina

We hiked through the Pine Forest of Marina di Cecina. The trees are quite different from British Columbia pines, and produce one of Italy's great delicacies - pine nuts. They stand in dramatic contrast to the glowing light. I was honored to be among them. 

Into The Blue

Dark Forest

The Shadow

Tanglewood

Stream

Pine Bark
Copyright 2019, Kathy Neudorf