March was full of explorations, discoveries and marvellous moments at home and abroad. I returned to Italy and Vatican City for a second visit in the first half of March. Italy offers plenty of beautiful architecture, world class art, rich history, culture, culinary delights, scenic nature and more.
Let me catch you up on Italy first. I plan to write about my visit to Vatican City in another post. Here’s a sampling of what I explored when I was in Italy.
Venice and Murano
My adventures in Italy began with a boat ride from Venice airport to my hotel. The following days, I enjoyed exploring Venice through the maze of alleyways and bridges on foot and by boat. I visited St. Mark’s Square (a World Heritage Site), Doge’s Palace, the Basilica, the Bell and Clock Towers, as well as Murano known for its artistic and colourful glassware. My once-in-a-lifetime experience was a gondola ride in the Grand Canal and small waterways of Venice with two musicians performing “Volare” and other beautiful songs in Italian.
Tuscany, Pisa and Florence
After Venice, I travelled through the beautiful landscape of Tuscany, dotted with olive and fig trees. I enjoyed wine tasting paired with delectable local specialties at a vineyard in Tuscany. On to Pisa, I revisited the famous Piazza dei Miracoli and its Leaning Tower. Last time I was here, I climbed 273 stone steps to reach the top. In Florence, I admired amazing art and architecture at Piazza del Duomo (a World Heritage Site), Piazza della Signoria, Piazza Santa Croce, Piazza Santa Maria Novella and bridges along the Arno River, including the iconic Ponte Vecchio (Old Bridge).
Assisi and Rome
Reaching Rome, the Eternal city, I revisited several iconic landmarks: The awe-inspiring Roman Forum, the triumphal Arch of Constantine, the mighty Colosseum, churches, huge Roman baths, and grand piazzas of Rome. I took a day trip to the picturesque medieval town of Assisi, best known as the birthplace of St. Francis of Assisi, patron saint of Italy. The town is designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its significant art and architecture.
Cinque Terre and La Spezia
Climbing the steep steps in Cinque Terre (another World Heritage Site) with stunning views of the Ligurian Sea and surrounding hills was a memorable experience for me. In low season, I enjoyed exploring and discovering delightful places and things around every corner in the five villages without crowds.
Heading to La Spezia before returning to Florence for my flight home, I was delighted by La Spezia’s beautiful waterfront, public gardens, churches, castle and vibrant city centre. Another pleasant surprise was a free upgrade to a beautifully furnished and spacious hotel room in Florence. It was a wonderful ending to an amazing trip.
Link-Up
I like to keep in touch with my blogger friends via their link-ups whenever our topics align. This weekend I’m joining Terri’s Sunday Stills Urban Sights photo challenge, Ju-Lyn’s March #TheChangingSeasons and #WBOYC link-up co-hosted by Donna, Sue, Jo and Deb.
I’d love for you to share your March highlights and/ or photos of public art around the world in the Comments or Weekend Coffee Share link-up #158 below. So, the first quarter of 2024 is done, tell me what fun plans you have for the second quarter.
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Natalie the Explorer 
What an amazing adventure. I think I would enjoy touring all the sites on water. AIt’s such a beautiful place.
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Yes, touring on water is surely a nice and different experience than on foot.
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Wow–a boat ride to your hotel in Venice, a wine-tasting in Tuscany, a day trip to Assisi–you made the most of this trip, and I enjoyed every word. Thanks for taking us along. Joe
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Joe, I’m pleased to share my trip highlights on my blog. Thank you for following along. Happy Easter!
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What a great trip. I would love to go back there one day.
Soma
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Soma, Yes, Italy is one of those countries that one can visit multiple times and still have lots to explore and love.
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You certainly packed a lot into your trip! I love Italy and you’ve been to some of my favourite places 🙂 March seems to have been a good time to go if you want to avoid the crowds. How did you find Venice in that respect?
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Hi Sarah, I usually stay active and walk a lot on this type of trips. I also try to go to the major attractions first thing in the morning when they are open. In low season, they open at 9:30 or 10 AM so that’s not early in my book. Venice and everywhere else that I visited in Italy was less crowded in low season. The people shown in St. Mark’s Square in my photo was the “crowd”. There was a line up to go in the Basilica but it moved quickly. Some of the major attractions such as the Duomo in Florence, Colosseum in Rome and Vatican City got busy by mid-day as I was about to leave.
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Getting in early is definitely the way to go, we do the same – even here in London, if we go to an exhibition we aim to be there as the doors open for the day!
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Same here, Sarah. Fortunately I can go sightseeing on weekdays or low season.
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That all sounds so incredible! I have always wanted to visit Venice… and many other places in Italy too.
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Venice is definitely unique and beautiful. Italy is one of those countries that one can visit multiple times and still have lots to explore and love.
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Stunning images of so many iconic cities, Natalie. You artfully managed to share your experiences along with excellent info about each place! My hubby visited all these places 20+ yrs ago. You are so lucky to go. I read in a comment that March is the low season, which sounds great. Thank you for sharing and so glad the theme aligned this week. Happy Easter to you and your family!
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Thank you Terri for your compliment. I count my blessings to have visited Italy more than once in my lifetime. I wouldn’t go to Italy in high season. No fun to see the sights and try to take pictures with hundreds of people around. I’m also glad the theme aligned as I try to catch up with you and other blogger friends. Have a wonderful Easter weekend!
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Wonderful pictures and a perfect start to my Saturday! Happy Easter!
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I’m pleased my blog and pictures are a perfect start to your Saturday. Happy Easter to you and Karl!
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It really looks like you had an amazing trip. All that marvellous architecture! Thank you for sharing.
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You’re welcome, Maria. Italy is full of wonders.
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Absolutely stunning photos, I really enjoyed this.
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I’m pleased you liked my photos and enjoyed my post. Have a nice Easter weekend!
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I’ve been to all those places over the years but not for a good decade or more…really must try to get back!! Your pictures make me smile at all my memories!
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I’m pleased my pictures made you smile. Italy is wonderful.
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You visited some amazing sites in Italy. Although I have been to Italy, I have not been to any of these places. I loved the photos. Have you read, Under The Tuscan Sun by Frances Mayes? It made me want to visit Tuscany.
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Darlene, I have heard of but haven’t read The Tuscan Sun. Tuscany landscape would certainly inspire writing (gentle rolling hills, vineyards, fresh vegetables, fruits, herbs, mild climate, etc.). I imagine “Amanda in Tuscany” one day.
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That would be a great idea!!
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Oh. My. Goodness. These pics are fab – and make me want to hop on a plane immediately!
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Italy is enchanting. Once you get there, you may not want to leave 🙂
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We haven’t been for almost 30 years!
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Italy is a long way from Australia and so many beautiful places to visit, so little time.
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What a beautiful trip, Natalie. Thanks for sharing your photos!
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You’re welcome, Christie. Thank you for stopping by.
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Natalie, this is beautiful. How long was your trip? Did you stay in Cinque Terre? Your photos are amazing – phone or camera? Every photo is absent tourists. How did you do that? I will be on a cruise that leaves from Venice in July. We will have only one day there. What should I not miss?
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Suzanne, My trip was 2 weeks. I stayed in La Spezia, 18 minutes by train with regular service to Cinque Terre. Turned out that was the best decision I made to stay in La Spezia which is flat and has more amenities than hilly Cinque Terre during low season. I use my old phone camera for all pictures on my blog. To avoid throngs of tourists, I travelled in low season and tried to arrive at the sights that I want to see first thing in the morning when they open. In low season, they open at 9:30 or 10 AM so that’s not early in my books. If you’re in Venice for the first time and have just one day, I’d suggest to visit St. Mark’s Square where the iconic buildings are located. Have a meal by the Grand Canal. Take a gondola ride that goes in the small waterways and a little bit of the Grand Canal. If you like to mingle with the locals, take a vaporetto (public water bus) which goes along the Grand Canal. Venice is unique in that there is no car in the city centre and the only way to get around is on foot or by boat.
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Some lovely captures from your travels Natalie. It is giving me some feeling of nostalgia seeing these places where some I have even stood on the very same spot.
here is mine https://wanderingteresa.com/wall-art-in-frankston-with-sis/
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Teresa, I get that feeling of nostalgia. Thank you for your PPAC contribution that takes me to Frankston and lets me see some amazing murals.
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What a fabulous vacation, Natalie! You sure packed in a lot in those two weeks and it all reads and looks wonderful. I guess you and I were both wine tasting in March! 🙂
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Hi Liesbet, I had a wonderful time in Italy. Argentina has some good wines. It’s a good thing we both had wine tastings in March 🙂
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Oh Natalie, one of my favourite countries to visit and not just because Mike was born there. I devoured your photos and so pleased you had a wonderful time. We have no plans for travel this year due to our renovations but next year, well that’s a different story – so many places so little time. Thanks for sharing at #WBOYC? and also for hostig #weekendcoffeeshare which I’ve linked up to. x
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Hi Sue, Italy is one of my favourite countries, too. The results of your renovations are beautiful. Now that they are done, you can relax and plan some fun trips. I appreciate the opportunity to catch up with you via the #WBOYC link-up. Thank you for linking up with me. Have a wonderful Easter weekend!
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If I am asked and given a choice which country I want to visit in Europe, I would say Italy and Venice in particular. Thanks for sharing these beautiful pictures.
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Excellent choice of destination, Ganga. I’m pleased you think my pictures are beautiful.
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Hi, Natalie – Richard and I were in Pisa, Tuscany and Rome on our last Camino and hope to be in Florence on our next Camino. Thank you so much for taking us there!
Wishing you a very happy Easter!
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Hi Donna, I remember following your Camino in Italy. I love Florence. I look forward to following along virtually on your next Camino. I hope all’s going well with your parents’ move and you have some time to rest this holiday weekend.
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Natalie your trip looks and sounds wonderful. One day if I get to go to Italy I’d like to follow in your footsteps. Thanks for allowing us to tag along with you
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Jennifer, Italy is a beautiful and wonderful country to visit. I hope you get to go to Italy. Thank you for linking up with me.
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You packed a LOT in. I am impressed you could manage it all in one blog post and in your 2 week stay. Great idea to go low season and I suspect it was still warm enough to be comfortable. Love all the photos. I think Cinque Terra is definitely worth the top billing it gets. Bernie
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Bernie, I can write so many posts on this trip since each destination is amazing. However, that would take up a lot of my time and require prolonged sitting at my computer so I decided to write one summary post for now 🙂 When I was in Italy, the daytime high temperatures ranged from 13C to 17C. Assisi and Cinque Terre are at higher elevation with daytime highs about 10C-11C in those towns. To me, these temperatures are ideal for walking outdoors. Cinque Terre is stunning with steep hills so it’s one of those destinations to visit sooner rather than later when our knees and legs are still good and strong.
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Looks like a wonderful visit to Italy. I’ve only been to a few of those places, but, then again, it would be possible to spend 10 years in Rome and not see 1% of what it has to offer… Great photos 🙂
I hope you are enjoying your weekend. have a wonderful week!
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Yes, Rome is one of those amazing cities that one can visit again and again and not done. I’m enjoying this Easter weekend. I hope you are, too. Have a great week ahead!
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Hi Natalie!
What a beautiful post on your trip to Italy. Some day I hope I can visit there, so much to see and it looks like you had great weather. I can’t believe March is almost over as we head into April. I am so happy I can link up with this weekend coffee share. I haven’t been blogging as often as late, just life happenings that I had to get through and things have seemed to settle down, finally. I hope you have a wonderful weekend and thank you for the coffee share link up! 😀
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Hi Diana, How are you doing? It’s great to hear from you. I’m glad to read things have seemed to settle down for you. I look forward to seeing your blog in the link-up whenever you post it. Have a great weekend!
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Aww, thank you Natalie! It’s been a crazy couple of months. I’m still estranged from my son and family in Arizona for the last 6 months or so which makes me very sad, but nothing I can do about that and just pray for them and I don’t post much about that and just think positive thoughts now. That’s were my grands are and are my only grand kids. I’m praying the estrangement won’t last too many months or years. 🙏 I’ve had other animal problems that I’ve shared and have finally gotten to a happy place with them. Life is sure full of curve balls and sometimes juggling them is a real struggle. Things are calmer now so am enjoying sharing again. Sending warm hugs to you and family! 💞
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I’m sorry to hear about the estrangement. I’m sending you virtual hugs and best wishes. I’m glad your animals are in a happy place and they give you so much joy every day. I hope things continue to stay stable and you’ll have time and the mind space to write your coffee share posts.
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Thank you for the hugs, means the world to me. I’m looking forward to sharing more often. ❤️
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How amazing Natalie. I would love to go to Italy. I think that the problem is I want to go everywhere. Time will tell.
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I understand the dilemma 🙂 So many beautiful places to explore and so little time.
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I envy you the Gondola ride. We went to VEnice several years ago to celebrate our 40th wedding anniversary. I was horrified to discover the cost of the ride and refused to pay. Now, sadly, I ahve the money but not the mobility. Just goes to show we should put experiences before money.
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Oh, I had hoped the gondolier would give you a fair price for your gondola ride for your wedding anniversary. Prices for gondola rides are fixed now and per boat (up to 5 people per gondola). I was in Venice in low season so it was easy to book and the small waterways were not crowded.
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Several years ago my husband and I visited Italy. We started in Rome and then Venice and Florence. I would love to see Tuscany and Pisa. I guess we will have to visit again lol. I loved all of your pictures. Thank you for sharing and hosting Weekend Coffee Share.
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Lots to see and experience in Italy. I’d love to return and explore southern Italy. Thank you Lisa for linking up.
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I loved our visit to Venice. All those other places look amazing. I’d love to go back and visit areas where my moms family is from. My youngest daughter is planning another Europe trip next year and plans to visit some places in Italy.
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Kirstin, It would be wonderful for you to visit areas where your mom’s family is from. Europe has a lot to offer to its visitors. Your youngest daughter is going to have a fabulous time.
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Wonderful photos. I’ve not yet made it to Italy… One day, maybe!
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Nikki, I’m pleased you liked my photos. So many beautiful places, so little time. Thank you for stopping by.
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Such excellent photos! I’d love to visit Rome sometime!
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Pamela, Rome is amazing. I’m pleased you liked my photos. Thank you for linking up.
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All places I’ve never been, thanks for the visit
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I’m pleased to share something new to you with you. Thanks Ali for stopping by.
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https://travelswithali.com/2024/04/01/hong-kong-arts-and-flowers/
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Thank you Ali for the link. I’ll be over to your blog shortly.
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Love your postcards. Sorry that I missed the linky this week. Have a wonderful week.
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Thank you Patrick. I hope to see you at the upcoming WCS link-up. Have a great week!
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Natalie, wow! What an amazing adventure in Italy and it has all the wonderful elements of this amazing country in perfect balance! You capture the country with love, excitement and wonder… and leave us all ready to pack our suitcases and head over and follow in your footsteps! Many thanks for sharing and inspiring! Xx
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Annika, It was an amazing trip and I’m still smiling thinking about it 🙂 I hope spring has sprung in your neighbourhood and you have some fun plans in progress. Thank you for stopping by. Have a wonderful week!
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Oh wow, I did not know one could take a boat from the Venice airport to the hotel. For Cinque Terre, did you hike through all five villages?
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Alilaguna operates regular boat service from Venice airport to the city centre. For Cinque Terre, I hiked from Manarola to Riomaggiore on the popular Via dell’Amore and hiked in each of the five villages. Most of the lower trails that connect the villages were closed due to severe weather warnings at that time.
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What a wonderful trip Natalie. Did you travel alone or with others? This part of Italy is somewhere I haven’t been yet but I would love to see it one day. Thanks for linking up to our #WBOYC with your fab post.
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Hi Debbie, I travelled solo. For Vatican City, I booked a guided tour to skip the queue. I’m pleased you think my post is fab 🙂 Thank you for hosting #WBOYC.
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What a fabulous trip.
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Donna, It was a fabulous trip. Hard to believe that it’s been a month since I returned home from Italy. Thank you for stopping by. Hope all’s well with you.
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Thank you, Natalie.
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My dream place
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I hope your dream comes true.
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Oooooooo Italia! You covered so many cities! Amazing!
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It was an amazing trip. Some of the cities I have been to before and feel fortunate to visit them again.
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