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Vernazza seaside village Italy

December 7, 2014 by David Herd

The very best of Italy

Vernazza seaside village Italy

Vernazza seaside village Cinque Terre Italy

Vernazza seaside village Italy is the second village after  Monterosso and before Corniglia. We chose to stay here because we could park the car close to the village. First records recognizing Vernazza as a fortified town date back to the year 1080. Referred to as an active maritime base of the Obertenghi, a family of Italian nobility, it was a likely point of departure for naval forces in defense of pirates.

Great food at Vernazza

Vernazza seaside village Cinque Terre Italy

In the 1800s, after a long period of stagnation, Vernazza returned to wine production, enlarging and creating new terraced hillsides. The result was a revitalization of Vernazza’s commerce. Also at this time, the construction of the Genova–La Spezia rail line began, putting an end to Vernazza’s long isolation. The population of Vernazza increased by 60% as a result. Meanwhile, the construction of La Spezia’s naval base also proved important to Vernazza in providing employment for many members of the community.

Vernazza seaside village Italy

Vernazza seaside village Cinque Terre Italy

On 25 October 2011, Vernazza was struck by torrential rains, massive flooding, and mudslides that left the town buried in over 4 metres of mud and debris, causing over 100 million euro worth of damage. The town was evacuated and remained in a continued state of emergency

Such a peaceful setting

Vernazza seaside village Cinque Terre Italy

With the arrival of the 20th century, Vernazza experienced a wave of emigration as working the land was viewed as dangerous and the culprit of disease, and the ability to further exploit agriculture diminished.

Sandstone buildings

Vernazza seaside village Cinque Terre Italy

In 1997, the Cinque Terre was recognised as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and in 1999 the National Park of the Cinque Terre was born. Today the main source of revenue for Vernazza is tourism. However, as a testimony to the strength of centuries-old tradition, fishing, wine and olive oil production still continue to take place.

Narrow Vernazza lanes

Vernazza seaside village Cinque Terre Italy

Great atmosphere at night wandering through the narrow streets.

Busy Vernazza restaurant

Vernazza seaside village Cinque Terre Italy

This delightful restaurant was right next to my apartment.

Drinks with Jodie O’Neil and Deborah Holliday

Vernazza seaside village Cinque Terre Italy

The girls & I travelled to Vernazza Cinque Terre from Breil Sur Roya just north of Monaco where we have been staying in a friends apartment.

Lots of gossip in Vernazza

Vernazza seaside village Cinque Terre Italy

There could be some morning gossip happening here.

Vernazza seaside village Italy

Vernazza seaside village Cinque Terre Italy

The steep hills behind Vernazza seaside village Italy.

Dining at sunset

Vernazza seaside village Cinque Terre Italy

I enjoyed dinner way up in that restaurant.

Jodie and Deborah at Vernazza

Vernazza seaside village Cinque Terre Italy

My two lovely travelling companions from the Gold Coast in Australia.


Hello! I’m looking for David Herd from Australia.

Vernazza seaside village Cinque Terre Italy

 In Vernazza seaside village Italy I should be so lucky. 🙂

Look no further, I’m here waiting for you. 🙂

Vernazza seaside village Cinque Terre Italy

Sadly we never did hook up, c’est la vie.

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Santa Margherita Italian resort

November 18, 2013 by David Herd

Glimpses of the Mediterranean.

Santa Margherita Italian resort

Santa Margherita Italian resort

Santa Margherita Italian resort near Portofino, if you walk from Santa Margherita you will be amazed by the beautiful homes and wonderful views of the Mediterranean sea. It only takes an hour or so and is quite spectacular.

The path between the two towns

Santa Margherita Italian resort

A delightful one hour walk between Santa Margherita & Portofino.

Santa Margherita Italian resort

Santa Margherita Italian resort

Hotels opposite the beach.

Many luxury hotels here

Santa Margherita Italian tourist resort

As you can see it is the “off season” with no tourists to be seen. 🙂

Overlooking the Mediterranean

Santa Margherita Italian resort

Many beautiful homes overlook the sea.

Wonderful narrow walkways

Santa Margherita Italian resort

Wonderful narrow lanes thread through the village.

Santa Margherita Italian resort

 

Santa Margherita Italian resort

Lots of restaurants to choose from here.

So many beautiful homes

Santa Margherita Italian resort

Santa Margherita Ligure is a fair-sized town; large enough not to seem smothered by the tourism which has been an integral part of the town’s existence for decades. The harbor mainly caters for luxury yachts, but the town is also home to a small fishing fleet which can be seen unloading opposite the  morning fish market. There are wide ranges of hotels and restaurants, and many good day trips to make if you get tired of wandering along the laid back seafront.

Pebbles on the beach

Santa Margherita Italian resort

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Sunbathing on the rocks.

Santa Margherita Italian tourist resort

Grab yourself a comfortable rock. 🙂

Relaxing on the rocks in Santa Margherita.

Santa Margherita Italian resort

I wonder if there is room on that towel for me? 🙂

Lido Palace

Santa Margherita Italian resort

The Lido Palace is in the top location.

This guy loves pasta & pizza.

Santa Margherita Italian tourist resort

But like me hates exercise.

Terrific pizza

Santa Margherita Italian tourist resort

They really know how to make pizza in Italy.

Santa Margherita Italian resort, ferry between the towns.

Santa Margherita Italian resort

I walked to Portofino & caught the ferry back.

The Mediterraneo Hotel

Santa Margherita Italian resort

My hotel offered good price and excellent restaurant. For the budget minded like myself it makes more sense to stay in Santa Margherita and visit Portofino on foot or by ferry. The Lido Palace is on the beach if you want to go upmarket, my hotel was one block back and reasonable priced, with free car parking,

The Mediterraneo.

Santa Margherita Italian resort

A very good restaurant here that seems to specialise in home cooked style food.

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Europe before Covid-19 & mass immigration.

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Portofino wealthy holiday resort

November 18, 2013 by David Herd

Magnificent Mediterranean home

Portofino wealthy holiday resort

Portofino wealthy holiday resort

Portofino wealthy  holiday resort, if you want to see how the rich & famous live in Europe just take a wonderful one hour walk from Santa Margherita. The homes are truly magnificent,  prepare yourself for a great experience when you arrive at the beautiful waterfront village of Portofino. The buildings, the boats, the restaurants, it’s all there. Just make sure you have your credit card and a wallet full of Euros.

Bella bella!

Portofino wealthy holiday resort

Portofino  is an Italian fishing village, and upmarket resort famous for its picturesque harbour and historical association with celebrity visitors. It is a comune located in the province of Genoa on the Italian Riviera. The town is crowded round its small harbor, is closely associated with Paraggi Beach, which is a few minutes up the coast. Other nearby beaches include Camogli, Chiavari, Lavagna, and Sestri Levante.

An amazing destination

Portofino wealthy holiday resort

Just sitting in the morning sun, sing it for us Otis. 🙂

 

You can smell the money here.  😎

Portofino wealthy holiday resort

This is a fascinating place to visit, it is however very expensive as you can imagine.  

The Portofino wealthy Italians arrive

Portofino wealthy holiday resort

I wonder if he can afford to buy everyone lunch? The truth is he can probably afford to buy the damn restaurant.  

Lunch, nice but expensive.

Portofino wealthy holiday resort

If I remember correctly my seafood soup was 26 Euros.  

King of the hill

Portofino wealthy holiday resort

The sheer wealth here is astonishing, I imagine most of these homes have been handed down through families for centuries. If walls could talk there would be some fascinating tales  to be told here. 😳  

Same house different aspect

Portofino wealthy holiday resort

No matter which way you look at this home it is simply breathtaking, I wonder which boat is theirs? My money is on the red one. 

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This is the Club Mediterranean yacht.

Portofino wealthy holiday resort

Quite an amazing looking yacht. 

Some people really struggle in life, others don’t.

Portofino wealthy holiday resort

Naturally there is a helicopter aboard.

And the beat goes on.

Portofino wealthy tourist holiday resort

  Now this is what I call a great boat.  

Portofino wealthy holiday resort

Portofino wealthy holiday resort

Global inequality is certainly growing, in 2015 half the world’s wealth is in the hands of just 1% of the population.

Can you imagine the cost to fill the tank?

Portofino wealthy holiday resort

Imagine this, you pull into the dock and say “fill it up please”, it would cost as much as an around the world air fare.  

Big Daddy 

Portofino wealthy holiday resort

No matter how big your boat is I guarantee someone around the corner someone has a bigger one.  

On the hill is Hotel Splendido

Portofino wealthy holiday resort

Hotel Splendido is rated the number one hotel in Portofino. 

Portofino wealthy holiday resort

Portofino wealthy holiday resort

An unforgettable experience.

Halfway between Santa Margherita & Portofino

Portofino wealthy holiday resort

 For the budget minded like myself it makes more sense to stay at Santa Margherita and visit Portofino on foot or by ferry. The Lido Palace is on the beach if you want to go upmarket, my hotel was one block back and reasonable priced, with free car parkingThe Mediterraneo.
 
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Click here to see one of my favourite places in France.

 

Here is another great part of the world

 

Cinque Terre is very close

 

 

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Camogli Italian tourist resort

November 17, 2013 by David Herd

A wonderful village by the sea.

Camogli Italian tourist resort

Camogli Italian tourist resort

Camogli Italian tourist resort located on the west side of the peninsula of Portofino, on the Golfo Paradiso at the Riviera di Levante, in the province of Genoa on the Italian Riviera. Wikipedia

Part of the Italian Riviera.

Camogli Italian tourist resort

Camogli was in the late Middle Ages a considerable seaport. In its heyday, the fleet consisted of hundreds of Camogli’s Tall Ships. It was called the “city of a thousand white sails.” 1798, the city has a large contingent of Napoleon’s fleet, which was beaten in Egyptian waters of the Nile by Admiral Nelson. This prestigious naval college founded in 1874, Cristoforo Colombo is the nautical tradition as well as a retirement home for masters.

In 1880 the city had (in a population of 12,000) 500 patented ship captains. The former fishing village, which now lives mainly from tourism, is known for its colourful houses that line behind the beach. The colours once helped the fishermen to find their way back to port.

 Seaside restaurant

Camogli Italian tourist resort

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Camogli Italian tourist resort rocky beach

Camogli Italian tourist resort

This town has a lot of appeal

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Camogli Italian tourist resort

Camogli Italian tourist resort

I really thought this place was a hidden gem, lots of restaurants overlooking the sea, and hundreds of hotels to choose from. You can actually walk to Portofino which is just south of Camogli, or if you are lazy like I am take the ferry.

Where is the sand?

Camogli Italian tourist resort

Of course the sand does not exist along this fabulous Italian coast.

Wonderful seafood

Camogli Italian tourist resort

Washed down with a chilled vino of course. 🙂

My travelling buddies

Camogli Italian tourist resort

I’m a guy who usually travels alone however Deborah Holliday & Jodie ONeill from the Gold Coast certainly added a new dimension for me. Both extremely nice people.

David Herd enjoying life as usual

Camogli Italian tourist resort

A perfect holiday spot except for the rocks on the beach. 🙂

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Without a doubt AGODA is the best online Hotel booking site.

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A-One hotel on Beach Road

Seven deadly Songkran days

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Piazza del Duomo Milan

November 16, 2013 by David Herd

The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

Piazza del Duomo Milan Northern Italy

Piazza del Duomo Milan Northern Italy

Piazza del Duomo Milan Northern Italy is one of my favourite places in Europe. Here is the entrance to The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II which is the world’s oldest shopping mall. The arcade principally contains luxury retailers selling haute couture, jewelry, books and paintings, as well as restaurants, cafes and bars. In 2012, a McDonald’s restaurant was prevented from renewing its tenancy in the mall, after 20 years of occupancy.

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

Piazza del Duomo Milan Northern Italy

As of 2013, the arcade principally contains luxury retailers selling haute couture, jewelry, books and paintings, as well as restaurants, cafés, and bars. The Galleria is famous for being home to some of the oldest shops and restaurants in Milan, such as Biffi Caffè (founded in 1867 by Paolo Biffi, pastry chef to the monarch), the Savini restaurant, the silverware store Bernasconi and the Art Nouveau classic Zucca’s Bar.

In 2012, a McDonald’s restaurant was prevented from renewing its tenancy in the mall, after 20 years of occupancy. The restaurant contended that it was the only mall tenant to be denied the right of first refusal on its new lease, and that the public tender to replace it was “unfair”. McDonald’s has sued the landlord—the city of Milan—for €24 million in damages, alleging that the loss of the lease will deprive McDonald’s of €6 million per year in sales. During its last few hours of operation, the restaurant offered free food and drink to over 5000 customers. The McDonald’s restaurant was replaced with the mall’s second Prada store.

Music at the Galleria

Piazza del Duomo Milan Northern Italy

Play it again Sam. 🙂

One of the many sidewalk cafes in Piazza del Duomo Milan

Piazza del Duomo Milan Northern Italy

Watching the world go by in Milan. 🙂

Piazza del Duomo Milan Northern Italy

Piazza del Duomo Milan Northern Italy

In the Piazza Del Duomo Milan you will find the magnificent Milan Cathedral, and at the edge of the square is the entrance to The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II which is the world’s oldest shopping mall. Milan Cathedral is the cathedral church of Milan, Italy. Dedicated to Santa Maria Nascente, it is the seat of the Archbishop of Milan, currently Cardinal Angelo Scola. The Gothic cathedral took nearly six centuries to complete. Wikipedia

Milan Cathedral

Piazza del Duomo Milan Northern Italy

One of the most incredible buildings I have ever seen.

Piazza Del Duomo Milan

Piazza del Duomo Milan Northern Italy

Too many pigeons are never enough. 🙂

Giuseppe Garibaldi in Piazzale Carioli (“piazza Castello”)

Piazza del Duomo Milan Northern Italy

Giuseppe Garibaldi was an Italian general and politician. He is Considered, with Camillo Cavour, Giuseppe Mazzini and Victor Emmanuel II, as one of Italy’s “fathers of the fatherland.” Wikipedia

Milan has some great cafes

Piazza del Duomo Milan Northern Italy

Remember in Italy coffee is always cheaper if you stand at the bar. 🙂

David Herd with a very friendly bartender at Cafe Milano.

Piazza del Duomo Milan Northern Italy

 Piazza del Duomo MilanGalleria Vittorio Emanuele are both wonderful places to spend a couple of hours drinking coffee and watching the passing parade.

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Verona beautiful northern Italy

November 16, 2013 by David Herd

A wonderful Italian city

Verona beautiful northern Italy

Verona beautiful northern Italy

Verona beautiful northern Italy just a 90 minute drive from Milan, I stayed at the Best Western Hotel Amando at Vicolo dietro Pallone 1 • 37121 Verona, reasonably priced, walking distance to all the attractions with an excellent Italian restaurant right next door. 

Because of the value and importance of its many historical buildings, Verona has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Like so many other Italian cities there is a surprise around every corner. Verona’s most popular site is the balcony said to be Juliet’s in Romeo and Juliet. The house said to be Juliet’s house is in a courtyard off Via Capello. You can see the balcony and the bronze statue of Juliet for free (you can also rub Juliet’s breast for good luck). The 13th century house is a good example of Gothic architecture and inside is a museum with period furniture.

Juliet’s house is in a courtyard off Via Capello.

Verona beautiful northern Italy

Juliet’s House (Casa di Giulietta), Via Cappello (just off the Piazza delle Erbe). Supposedly the location of the famous balcony love scene from Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. The house is a major destination for tourist pilgrimage, as the tiny courtyard is normally packed with lovestruck teenagers photographing each other on the famous balcony. In fact, the house has no connection with Shakespeare’s fictional characters – although the house is old, the balcony was added in 1936 and declared to be “Juliet’s house” to attract tourists.


You can also rub Juliet’s breast for good luck

Verona beautiful northern Italy

 Her boobs are very shiny from all the attention. 🙂

Love letters at Juliet’s house in Verona.

Verona beautiful northern Italy

The balcony overlooks a tiny courtyard containing a statue of Juliet. There is an unbelievable amount of graffiti and general scrawling on the walls, floor, seats, anything that will hold ink – there is a tradition of writing love messages to Juliet, and visitors leave notes, trinkets and bits of chewing gum fashioned into love hearts. Juliet’s house is a popular romantic shrine, but its popularity belies its value; compared to some of the treasures around Verona, Juliet’s house has very little to offer.

Piazza delle Erbe and Torre dei Lamberti

Verona beautiful northern Italy

The famous thin tower, Torre dei Lamberti is located on the north side as you enter the piazza and at 275 feet high, is Verona’s highest landmark and can be seen from a distance. You can climb it or take an elevator and have fantastic views of Verona from this vantage point. In the centre of the piazza is an awesome 14th century fountain with a Madonna statue on top.

Piazza delle Erbe

Verona beautiful northern Italy

There are some very fine and ancient buildings around this square like the Romanesque ‘Palazzo Comune’ and the 15th century ‘Loggia del Consiglio’, one of the most beautiful buildings to be seen in Verona. The statue of the ‘divine poet’ Dante is particularly interesting.

Another lovely Verona street.

Verona beautiful northern Italy

 

 A perfect city for walking and exploring.

Piazza Bra

Verona beautiful northern Italy

Piazza Bra, once a suburban field or braida, is a huge piazza inside the main gate entering Verona. You’ll see the Roman Arena on one side of the piazza and near it the neoclassical Palazzo Municipale. Part of the piazza is a garden with a central fountain. On the opposite side from the arena are elegant porticoed buildings with cafes and restaurants along a broad walkway. You can have a glass of wine or coffee in one of the cafes and spend some time people-watching.

Verona beautiful northern Italy

Verona beautiful northern Italy

 Verona Comune Building.

Verona beautiful northern Italy Lamberti Tower

Verona beautiful northern Italian city

This is the highest tower of the Roman relics at Verona is completed in 1463. You can enter this tower and climb the 238 stairs. Do not worry,  there is an elevator available. Arriving at the top of the tower, the beautiful scenery of Verona is in front of you.

Verona’s Roman Arena.

Verona beautiful northern Italian city

The Arena is an enormous, spectacular Roman amphitheatre, crumbling on the outside but still functioning today. It was erected in the 1st Century AD in an elliptical shape, and is the world’s third-largest amphitheater to survive from antiquity. Much of the outer ring was damaged during the earthquake of 1117 but the inner part is still intact. If you can, plan your trip during the Opera season and see a performance in the Arena.

Roman Arena

Verona beautiful northern Italy

   Verona’s Roman Arena is the third largest in Italy  

Killing Christians is hard work

Verona beautiful northern Italy

 Even Gladiators need a rest between slaughters.  

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Beautiful footpath in Verona.

Verona beautiful northern Italy

One of the many beautiful old stone Verona buildings.

Next to BEST WESTERN Hotel Armando

Verona beautiful northern Italy

Right next to my hotel was this excellent old Italian restaurant. It is well worth a visit, you won’t be disappointed.

Stolen GPS in Verona

Verona beautiful northern Italy

Sadly Italy is a very risky country for thieves, pickpockets etc.

Thanks for visiting my Verona beautiful northern Italy photo blog.

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Leonardo da Vinci Tuscany

November 13, 2013 by David Herd

Leonardo da Vinci

Leonardo da Vinci Tuscany 

Leonardo da Vinci Tuscany

Leonardo da Vinci Tuscany Italy surrounded by the Tuscan hills mainly consisting of vineyards and olive groves. The city of course is surrounded by the Tuscan hills mainly consisting of vineyards and olive groves. The city of course is famous being the birthplace of Leonardo Da Vinci who was born on 15 April 1452, in a farmhouse about 3 kilometres  from the town, between Anchiano and Faltognano.

Leonardo was, and is, renowned primarily as a painter. Among his works, the Mona Lisa is the most famous and most parodied portrait and The Last Supper the most reproduced religious painting of all time.

Church of Santa Croce

Leonardo da Vinci Tuscany

The church of Santa Croce, mentioned in documents dating from at least the year 1132, was originally a simple structure of Romanesque architecture to which was added a portico with Tuscan columns. In honour of Leonardo, at the IV centennial of his birth (1852), it was decided to build the bell tower we see today.

The house where Leonardo was born

Leonardo da Vinci Tuscany

This was Leonardos home,  Leonardo da Vinci was born on 15 April 1452, his full name was “Leonardo di ser Piero da Vinci”, which means “Leonardo, son of Piero, of Vinci”. Half a million visitors a year come to visit the Museum of Leonardo and his birthplace.

Wooden representation of the Vitruvian Man

Leonardo da Vinci Tuscany

Behind the castle of the Conti Guidi, in the small but lovely center of town, you will notice a wooden representation of the Vitruvian Man, a drawing by Leonardo in which he represented a man with the ideal proportions. From this terrace, you can enjoy a wonderful panorama of the surrounding hills.

Leonardo da Vinci Tuscany 

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The Leonardo Museum

Leonardo da Vinci Tuscany

The Leonardo Museum is arranged in two buildings which cover the history of the master both as architect and scientist. There are rooms dedicated to his building-site machinery, textile manufacturing technology, mechanical clocks, war machinery, flying machines and much more.

I guess this must be a wall garden.

Leonardo da Vinci Tuscany

Looks rather spectacular.

David Herd in Vinci in Tuscany.

Leonardo da Vinci Tuscany

There are so many interesting places to visit in Tuscany.

                                           Narrow street in Vinci

Leonardo da Vinci Tuscany

Quite a small village.

                                                Leonardo da Vinci born Tuscany Italy

Leonardo da Vinci Tuscany

Agoda is a good site for hotel bookings.

Thanks for visiting my Leonardo da Vinci Tuscany Italy photo blog.

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Pattaya Hilton

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This is the view from Horizons the amazing rooftop bar. A great five star hotel located opposte the beach & above the Central Festival shopping mall. Just book through THIS LINK for an excellent room rate. 

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Northern Italian ski resort

October 23, 2013 by David Herd

Northern Italian ski resort

Northern Italian ski resort

Northern Italian ski resort Lake Garda is a great part of the world, obviously it is a skiers paradise, however I was there in summer in July 2010, it was great being able to move around without the crowds and the snow. I also used it as a base to visit St Moritz & Salzburg.

Crazy Germans cyclists

Northern Italian ski resort Lake Garda

I met two crazy Germans who were  riding bikes at 8,500 ft on top of the mountains.

Madonna di Campiglio

Northern Italian ski resort Lake Garda
Totally spectacular.

David Herd 8,500 ft high at Madonna di Campiglio, Italy.

Northern Italian ski resort

 Madonna di Campiglio is a  ski resort in the alps in northeast Italy. It is 1,500 m above sea level and about 1000 people live there.

Italian ski resort

Northern Italian ski resort

Rugged mountains and blue sky.

A beautiful view of the mountains

Northern Italian ski resort

Captivated by the wonderful view.

 The village of Peio in the Italian Alps.

Northern Italian ski resort

Peio is a hamlet in the Italian Alps, which has focused on agriculture and cattle raising. Since 1970 it has become a popular ski resort.  Peio  is rich in mineral water which they bottle and export.Lake

Northern Italian ski resort Peio

Northern Italian ski resort

I was staying in the village below.

Beautiful valley near Peio

Northern Italian ski resort

It looks just like a picture postcard.

 Italian ski resort

Northern Italian ski resort

I was so lucky the weather was beautiful.

Nice restaurant & hotel in Peio

Northern Italian ski resort

Good food and a great atmosphere.

Northern Italian ski resort

Northern Italian ski resort

The photo above is on the road from Lake Garda to Peio.


Here I am in my ski lodge in the Italian Alps.

Northern Italian ski resort

Home sweet home, now time to hit the road. Thanks for visiting my Northern Italian ski resort Lake Garda photo blog.

My road trip from Peio to Salzburg via St Moritz.

Northern Italian ski resort

Thanks for dropping by folks, here is a little video capturing the essence of Italy.
Here is a great site for tourism in Italy, click here.


Click here to see an interesting part of France.

 

 

Checkout some more of my terrific blogs on the links below.

   

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Europe before Covid-19 & mass immigration.

 

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Florence beautiful Italian city

October 20, 2013 by David Herd

Piazza della Signoria

Florence beautiful Italian city

Florence beautiful Italian city

Florence beautiful Italian city , I have been there 3 or 4 times and can’t wait to visit again. I saw a lot of the city and surrounding areas thanks to my good friend Francesca.

Piazza della Signoria is an L-shaped square in front of the Palazzo Vecchio in Florence, Italy. It was named after the Palazzo della Signoria, also called Palazzo Vecchio. It is the focal point of the origin and of the history of the Florentine Republic and still maintains its reputation as the political hub of the city. It is the meeting place of Florentines as well as the numerous tourists, located near Ponte Vecchio and Piazza del Duomo and gateway to Uffizi Gallery.


Florence beautiful Italian city

Florence beautiful Italian city

Replicas of Michelangelo’s David have been made numerous times, in plaster, imitation marble, fibreglass, snow, and other materials. There are many full-sized replicas of the statue around the world, perhaps the most prominent being the one in the original’s position in the Piazza della Signoria in Florence, Italy, placed there in 1910. The original sculpture was moved indoors in 1873 to the Academia Gallery in Florence, where it attracts many visitors. Others were made for study at art academies in the late nineteenth century and later, while the statue has also been replicated for various commercial reasons or as artistic statements in their own right. Smaller replicas are often considered kitsch.

Florence’s Cathedral: the Duomo.

Florence beautiful Italian city

Florence’s cathedral stands tall over the city with its magnificent Renaissance dome designed by Filippo Brunelleschi. The cathedral named in honor of Santa Maria del Fiore is a vast Gothic structure built on the site of the 7th century church of Santa Reparata, the remains of which can be seen in the crypt.


On Ponte Vecchio the Old Bridge.

Florence beautiful Italian city

The Ponte Vecchio  is a Medieval arch bridge over the Arno River, in Florence, Italy, noted for still having shops built along it, as was once common in the early days. Butchers initially occupied the shops however the tenants now are jewelers, art dealers and souvenir sellers. The Ponte Vecchio’s two neighbouring bridges are the Ponte Santa Trinita and the Ponte alle Grazie.

Florence beautiful Italian city  Ponte Vecchio

Florence beautiful Italian city

The bridge spans the Arno at its narrowest point where it is believed that a bridge was first built in Roman times, when the via Cassia crossed the river at this point. The Roman piers were of stone, the superstructure of wood. The bridge first appears in a document of 996. After being destroyed by a flood in 1117 it was reconstructed in stone but swept away again in 1333  save two of its central piers, as noted by Giovanni Villani in his Nuova Cronica. It was rebuilt in 1345.

Ponte Vecchio, the Old Bridge.

Florence beautiful Italian city

Below you will see how the road near the bridge collapsed on May 26 2016.

Sink hole

Florence beautiful Italian city

Disaster strikes and 20 cars sink into the ground. It was very lucky it did not occur closer to the bridge.

Sinkhole road collapse devours cars just 200 meters from Florence's Ponte Vecchio bridge - TomoNews

View from Piazzale Michelangelo.

Florence beautiful Italian city

Probably one of the most photographed scenes in the world.

Piazzale Michelangelo.

Florence beautiful Italian city

Piazzale Michelangelo (Michelangelo Square) is a famous square with a magnificent panoramic view of Florence, Italy, and is a popular tourist destination in the Oltrarno district of the city. The famous view from this observation point overlooking the city has been reproduced on countless postcards and snapshots over the years.

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Palazzo Vecchio from Uffizi Gallery.

Florence Tuscany beautiful Italian city

The Vecchio Palace with its huge clock tower, is one of the most architecturally interesting buildings in the city of Florence.

Florence beautiful Italian city

Florence Tuscany beautiful Italian city

Artist at work in Florence.

David Herd with “Loggia del Porcellino”

Florence beautiful Italian city

Popular tradition has it that rubbing the nose brings fortune, so over time, the statue has acquired a certain shine in that spot. Visitors are encouraged to place a coin in the mouth of the boar after rubbing its nose, and superstition implies that the wish will be granted if the offering tumbles through the grate whence the water flows. The slope of the grate is such that most coins do fall through, and are collected by the city.

A beer with my friend Francesca.

Florence beautiful Italian city

Francesca & I first became friends when we met in Koh Samui Thailand in August 1999. The next photo is a flashback.

Koh Samui Thailand in August 1999.

Florence Tuscany beautiful Italian city

Great memories from Koh Samui in 1999, my how time flies when you are having fun.

Caffè Italiano

Florence beautiful Italian city

Here is Francesca at Caffè Italiano, Via Isola delle Stinche, 11R-13R in Florence. Without a doubt this is the best pizza I have ever eaten in my life. You can’t book at this small restaurant, you must wait outside in the lane until there is a free table, believe me however, the wait is worth it.

I rest my case

Florence beautiful Italian city

If I remember correctly the magician who makes them is originally from Naples.

The Master Chef at Caffè Italiano

Florence beautiful Italian city

I certainly have never had a better pizza.

Brazilian dinner in Florence in 2000.

Florence Tuscany beautiful Italian city

This was April 2000 we enjoyed a Brazilian dinner in Florence. I’m on the left, then comes Barbara, Franco, Francesca & Andrea.

David Herd & Barbara Manelli in April 2000

Florence beautiful Italian city

Memories of this beautiful Italian lady will stay with me for a long time.

Lets finish with another shot of the Old Bridge.

Florence beautiful Italian city

Arrivederci

Thanks for visiting my Florence beautiful Italian city photo blog.

Pattaya Hilton

Pattaya hotels, Hilton & Holiday Inn

This is the view from Horizons the amazing rooftop bar. A great five star hotel located opposte the beach & above the Central Festival shopping mall. Just book through THIS LINK for an excellent room rate. 

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Lake Como Lake Garda

October 18, 2013 by David Herd

Bellagio on Lake Como

Lake Como Lake Garda northern Italy

Lake Como Lake Garda

Lake Como Lake Garda northern Italy are two beautiful lakes in this wonderful country. Lake Como has been a popular retreat for aristocrats and wealthy people since Roman times, and a very popular tourist attraction with many artistic and cultural gems. It is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful lakes in Europe.

Lots of stairs in Bellagio.

Lake Como Lake Garda

Beautiful Bellagio is situated at the tip of the peninsula separating the lake’s two southern arms, with the Alps visible across the lake to the north.

Bellagio on Lake Como

Lake Como Lake Garda

Bellagio is a wonderful upmarket village on Lake Como, certainly a place that attracts the wealthy. Bellagio & Lake Como are both beautiful and famous, however I do prefer the larger Lake Garda which is a couple of hours east. I found it more “user friendly” in so much as there were many more places you could actually access the lake itself.


Western shore of Lake Como

Lake Como Lake Garda

The wealthy and the snobbish will always pick Como because that’s what they read about in the fashion magazines and gossip columns, but the experienced traveller I believe would choose Lake Garda as the more interesting location.

Lake Como

Lake Como Lake Garda

Lake Como is a lake of glacial origin in Lombardy, Italy. It has an area of 146 square kilometres, making it the third largest lake in Italy, after Lake Garda and Lake Maggiore. Wikipedia

Como cathedral

Lake Como Lake Garda

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Como

Lake Como Lake Garda

Como is a city and comune in Lombardy, Italy. It is the administrative capital of the Province of Como. Its proximity to Lake Como and to the Alps has made Como a popular tourist destination and the city contains numerous works of art, churches, gardens, museums, theatres, parks and palaces.

Veal Scaloppini

Lake Como Lake Garda

One of my favourite meals is veal scaloppini and this dish I had in Como was perhaps the best I have ever experienced.

Lake Garda

Lake Como Lake Garda

Lake Garda is Italy’s largest and most visited lake. The lake is 51km long but only 17km wide at its widest point in the south. The distance around the lake is 158km. Picturesque villages, medieval castles, and lakeside promenades dot the shoreline. The lake has a diverse landscape with beaches along the southern shores and rocky cliffs above the northern shoreline. Lake Garda is known for its clear water, great for swimming in summer. Windsurfing, sailing, and hiking in the lake’s many parks are popular activities.

Lake Como Lake Garda northern Italy

Lake Como Lake Garda

The lake has numerous small islands and five main ones, the largest being Isola del Garda. Nearby to the south is Isola San Biagio, also known as the Isola dei Conigli (“Island of the Rabbits”). Both are offshore of San Felice del Benaco, on the west side. The three other main islands are Isola dell’Olivo, Isola di Sogno, and Isola di Trimelone, all farther north near the east side. The main tributary is the Sarca River, while the only outlet is the Mincio River.

Relaxing beside Lake Garda

Lake Como Lake Garda

There are many delightful cafes and restaurants around the lake where you can relax and enjoy the sunshine.

Beautiful Lake Garda

Lake Como Lake Garda

A beautiful summer day in July.

Lake Garda

Lake Como Lake Garda

There are many small towns and villages all around the lake.

North of Lake Garda.

Lake Como Lake Garda

Heading towards the Italian alps.

The Castle of Sirmione on Lake Garda.

Lake Como Lake Garda

The Sirmione castle is the most significant example of the defensive structures on Lake Garda. Between the 13th and 14th centuries, the village of Sirmione was a border town situated between the land owned by the Della Scala dynasty of Verona and the property of the lords of Milan. The original nucleus was delimited by a tall square wall with three towers, and was probably built on top of the remains of a Roman fortress. Which one do you prefer Lake Como Lake Garda?

Thanks for visiting my Lake Como Lake Garda northern Italy photo blog.

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Pattaya Hilton

Pattaya hotels, Hilton & Holiday Inn

This is the view from Horizons the amazing rooftop bar. A great five star hotel located opposte the beach & above the Central Festival shopping mall. Just book through THIS LINK for an excellent room rate. 

 Soi Cowboy                  Nana Plaza                    Patpong

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