Italy - YouShouldGoToo

Places & Things to Photograph When Visiting Venice, Italy

Barbara — Thu, 23 Jan 2014 23:59:53 +0000

We found some of the best places and things to photograph while in Venice, Italy were along the narrow streets and canals away from the crowds and touristy areas. We strolled along the neighborhoods of this fascinating and romantic city and got totally lost, which was perfectly fine with us. We were completely immersed in the day to day lives of the Venetians. It was here that we found inspiring photo opportunities while experiencing the true charm of Venice.

Wandering along the narrow back streets and over the small bridges were some of the most enjoyable times we spent in Venice. During early morning walks we saw the city come to life. Residents emerged from their homes on their way to work, shop owners swept their front entrances and Gondoliers prepared their gondolas for their first passengers of the day. In the evenings, as the sun was setting and the lights began to twinkle, the city took on a calmer, slower pace that was also fascinating to photograph.

Hotel Apostolic Palace – Where We Stayed

We booked a room for 3 days at the Hotel Apostoli Palace which is away from the main tourist areas in Venice, Italy. Here we were not only able to experience the day to day lives of the local residents but also avoid the crowds most of the time. Staying at Hotel Apostoli Palace put us right in the middle of the true Venice that we wanted to experience and photograph. Hotel Apostoli Palace, the bright orange and yellow building, is a small Palace built in 1450. It is lovely inside and the staff was friendly and helpful. We enjoyed our stay here and would highly recommend this hotel if you want to be away from the more crowed, touristy areas of Venice. You can see rates and more photos (a look inside) of Hotel Apostoli Palace on Booking.com.
For deals on other lodging options in Venice see this link to Booking.com.

About Us

Hi! We are Lou and Barbara, a world traveling, nature loving couple searching out new and interesting places to explore, photograph and share with you our readers.CONTINUE READING

The view from the balcony of the breakfast area at Hotel Apostoli Palace was full of old world charm – a photographers dream setting!

The courtyard below the balcony at Hotel Apostoli Palace was bathed in early morning light. The sunlight shining on this scene enhanced the charm of this fascinating setting.

Small Streets & Canals in Venice, Italy

Get lost off the beaten path along the small streets – you will find great subjects to photograph around every corner – just use your imagination!

Early morning sunlight creating reflections in the canals will offer great photo opportunities. We were in awe of the architecture and the novelty of canals for streets as we wandered the neighborhoods in Venice, Italy.

Start of a New Day in Venice, Italy

Venice, Italy has many small neighborhoods that can be explored for photo possibilities. As we enjoyed strolling around we came upon this colorful area and captured this candid moment. Try to photograph people as they go about their daily lives; your photos will tell the viewer the story of what you saw.

We found this picturesque little sitting area right on the side of a tiny canal in Venice. It was the perfect spot to relax, enjoy the view and savor the time we had in Venice.

Venetians in this more secluded neighborhood were on their way to start the workday. This area had fascinating architecture and character. It was the best example of a true Venice, Italy neighborhood that we saw and it provided us with many great photo options.

This Gondolier was preparing his gondola for a new day giving us another opportunity for a great candid shot. Walking along the narrow streets and over the small bridges is where we found true Venetian atmosphere along with many opportunities to photograph the unique way of life in Venice, Italy.

Newspaper stands in Venice make colorful subjects. This stand had just opened for the day and we were able to capture the vendor and her customer in our image telling another story of life in Venice, Italy.

Window Displays

Window displays make great photographs of the different varieties of food in Venice. Photograph the yummy treats and types of pasta neatly arranged in the shop windows. Again, arriving early will give you the best images of newly displayed delicacies.

Architecture in Venice, Italy

Architecture in Venice, Italy is a visual treat and some of the most charming in the world. The colors, lines and arches are all great subjects to photograph!

Architectural details in Venice make excellent photographs. The colorful flowers and pottery add to the pleasing effect of this composition.

Produce & Fish Markets in Venice, Italy

The markets in Venice are overflowing with fresh fruits and vegetables, especially early in the day. Try to arrive early for great photo opportunities when locals are out shopping and the displays are at their finest.

Produce stands are great places to photograph colorful fruits and vegetable and to take candid shots of daily life in Venice. We found this beautiful produce stand in one of the small back streets in Venice.

The fish market, loaded with some of the freshest seafood we have ever seen, is also a great place to capture vivid photos. Arrive at the market early in the day when the boats first unload their catch for some great shots!

Don’t Overlook the Big Scene!

We did of course visit the popular sites in Venice; you can’t come here and not experience St. Marks Square, Doges Palace, the magnificent churches, bridges and the Grand Canal. I’m simply saying if you don’t get off the beaten path in Venice, Italy you may miss the true essence of the city, its people and the many wonderful opportunities to photograph them.

St. Marks Square in Venice, Italy can put a damper on your vacation during times of flooding. While most people may think the water is a nuisance, this little girl enjoys wading in the water barefoot. No matter where you are always look for the unexpected candid moment to photograph. You never know when that special shot may appear.

Sunset in Venice, Italy

Gondoliers with their gondolas were awaiting passengers in the early evening. Watching the sun go down as we stood on Rialto Bridge overlooking the Grand Canal we noticed this scene. This is a magical time of day in Venice. The sun is setting, many of the tourists have left, and the lights begin to make Venice twinkle. Look for lights reflecting in the water and the setting sun glowing on the buildings that line the canals, you are sure to get some amazing shots.

We found Venice, Italy to be the most picturesque and fascinating place we have ever had the opportunity to visited and photograph. Three days in Venice was not enough time for us to see and do all of the things that we wanted to do. It especially was not enough time to photograph everything we wanted to – so I’m guessing we’ll just have to return – and I’m hoping it’s really soon!

More things to see & do in Italy

Pompeii – The Lost City
Montepulciano Walled City – Tuscany
The Dolomites – The Italian Alps

We’d like to hear from you!

Do you have tips or ideas on places and things to photograph while in Venice? We’d love to hear from you – let us know in the comments below.

The post Places & Things to Photograph When Visiting Venice, Italy appeared first on YouShouldGoToo.

Pompeii, Italy • The Lost City

Barbara — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 21:00:48 +0000

The ancient city of Pompeii, Italy, known as the lost city is an extraordinary place to visit. Work to expose and preserve Pompeii is still ongoing today. Roughly one-third of the ancient city of Pompeii, Italy is still buried. It is believed that it is more important to restore what has already been revealed leaving the remaining area surrounded by the volcanic ash in order to preserve it for generations to come.

What is Pompeii – The Lost City?

Pompeii, an ancient Roman city, was said to be one of the wealthiest parts of Italy. In 79 AD it was completely engulfed by the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius. The eruption spewed rocks and ash into the air burying Pompeii in 30 feet of ash and killing 20,000 people. Because of the way Pompeii was buried in ash its existence was lost to history until the 18th century. The city is now an excavation site where everything from plates, tables, paintings and people were preserved by the eruption. The archaeological areas of Pompei are on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

The Temple of Apollo, dedicated to the Greek and Roman god Apollo, was Pompeii’s most important religious building. The temple’s alter and a number of columns remain standing today due to restoration efforts. I found it extremely eerie standing here with Mt. Vesuvius visible in the background. How terrifying it must have been for the people of Pompeii, Italy when the volcano erupted burying them and their entire city.

Where is Pompeii, Italy?

Pompeii is located in southern Italy close to the Bay of Naples. It is located a few miles southeast of Naples at the base of Mt. Vesuvius. Nearby Mt. Etna, located on the east coast of Sicily, Italy, has also had a history of eruptions and destruction to it’s nearby city of Catania. Mt. Etna’s most violent eruption occurred in 1669 creating widespread destruction to the city of Catania. Pompeii is situated a little over 3-1/2 hours south of the historic medieval hill town of Montepulciano. You can read our post on Montepulciano here.

About Us

Hi! We are Lou and Barbara, a world traveling, nature loving couple searching out new and interesting places to explore, photograph and share with you our readers.CONTINUE READING

The Basilica of Pompeii, standing near the west corner of the Forum, is the oldest and most important public building in Pompeii. Built around 78 BC, it is the best example of pre-Roman architecture in Pompeii. The Basilica served an important role in civil and commercial life. Justice was administered here as well as focusing on the economic life of the city.

The Forum was the center of Pompeii’s religious, political and economic life. It was very large and together with the surrounding public buildings could contain all of the inhabitants of Pompeii. The Romans paved the entire Forum with Travertine, a natural stone similar to marble.

One of the many narrow roads leading off the main street in Pompeii, Italy. These small, narrow roads were used to access private homes in town. Because Pompeii was such an old city it had no proper drainage. Overflow from water supplies such as public fountains ran down the streets along with waste water. This continuously running water would have helped to keep the streets clean.

The ancient steps of Pompeii are worn from years of use. When visiting Pompeii one of the things you will notice is the wear on the streets and steps from centuries of use.

An open courtyard or garden surrounded by rows of pillars was known as a peristyle. The central garden would have contained columns, fountains, tables, and statues. Many of Pompeii’s peristyles have been restored to their original settings based on the traces left behind.

Cobblestone street in Pompeii with large stepping-stones. The stones were used by pedestrians to cross the streets without the need to step into the roads which also served as the town’s drainage and sewage system. Horse drawn carts could simply pass between the spaces in the stones.

Interior of a building in Pompeii used as a laundry. Laundry was done at a Fullonica, it consisted of soaping, rinsing and finishing. The tub shown here was likely used for cleaning delicate fabrics or those only lightly soiled. Clothes in need of a deeper cleaning were actually stomped on by workers in a much deeper tub. The walls shown here display remains of decorated plaster but the design is not clear.

Artistic paintings have been uncovered in Pompeii, Italy. This one is at a thermopolium, the equivalent to a modern day café or bar. Hot and cold food was sold from these counters which would have contained terracotta vessels and a heat source below. This counter has a marble surface. At the rear of the bar is fine stucco work embellished with a painting depicting the god of commerce and the god of wine. There are more than 160 thermopolia in Pompeii.

The statue of Apollo located in the Temple of Apollo. The original statue of Apollo dates from 100 BC and was discovered buried and broken into pieces in 1817. The one picture here in the ruins of Pompeii is a reproduction. The original is now in the National Archaeological Museum of Naples.

It’s hard to image the streets you are walking on were once those of a lively, thriving city that was entirely buried by the eruption of a volcano in 79 AD not to be discovered again until 1738. I have to wonder what will be discovered when the remaining third of the city is excavated.

Pompeii, Italy was truly one of the highlights to our trip to Italy. It is a site that is sometimes overlooked for the more famous attractions in Italy. If you have an opportunity to visit Pompeii I would highly recommend it, you won’t be disappointed!

Check on Booking.com for lodging options in any season in Italy’s Pompeii area.

More Things to See & Do in Italy!

Venice – Things to See & Photograph

Tuscany & The Walled City of Montepulciano

The Dolomites – The Italian Alps

The post Pompeii, Italy • The Lost City appeared first on YouShouldGoToo.

Tuscany, Italy and Medieval Montepulciano Part II

Barbara — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 16:00:55 +0000

Montepulciano, Italy is the biggest and highest of southern Tuscany’s medieval hill towns. It is steeply graded with hardly a flat street in town. On the morning of our 2nd day in Montepulciano, we took another walk around this fascinating hill town. We certainly didn’t want to miss anything, so off we went once again.

Our Stay in Montepulciano

We stopped at this overlook of Montepulciano where the wall surrounding the city can be clearly seen. The city has so much charm and history that I found myself entranced in the view of this medieval town perched high on a hilltop. For deals on lodging options in Montepulciano you can check here on Booking.com.

This is the second post in a 2 part series about Tuscany, Italy and the hill town of Montepulciano. Start with part I to read the whole story.

About Us

Hi! We are Lou and Barbara, a world traveling, nature loving couple searching out new and interesting places to explore, photograph and share with you our readers.CONTINUE READING

Tuscany vineyards and the surrounding countryside of Siena are some of the most photographed scenes in all of Italy. The rolling hills, farms and rows of olive trees make up this charming setting. We photographed this view along our morning walk in Montepulciano.

The well in the Piazza Grande of Montepulciano was constructed in 1520 with two lions from Florence and two Montepulciano griffins supporting the Medici coat of arms. A rustic well, it is situated on the side of the Palazzo Nobili-Tarugi. I couldn’t resist peering into the well.

Walking along the streets in Montepulciano we found that there was hardly a flat road in town, and at times it was quite steep. Because the town enjoys car free pedestrian streets, walking around this historic walled city can be very enjoyable. When you go to Montepulciano you will find many attractive streets lined with markets, shops and wine stores. Bottega del Rame is one of the shops that we enjoyed visiting. They specialize in fine crafter copper products for the home and kitchen. Well worth a visit while in Montepulciano.

Laundry day in Tuscany. As we walked through the ancient streets and explored the tiny medieval alleyways, I couldn’t help but marvel at the many years of history that this fascinating town has witnessed. Time seemed to slow down here and many day to day chores were still being done the way they were long ago. I sometimes think this is the way we should all be enjoying our lives, don’t you?

Driving Through Tuscany

Vineyards in Tuscany contain possibly Siena’s most enchanting and picturesque landscapes. It must be delightful to wake up each morning to such an amazing sight.

The grapes growing on these vines were some of the most beautiful grapes we had ever seen. They were a deep purple color and perfectly ripened, sure to make a splendid glass of wine someday.

Olives from Italy produce some of the world’s most delicious olive oil. The rows of trees in this grove were laden with olives. I had to wonder how they are picked and processed. I think it would be interesting to take a tour of the grove and its operations; I guess I will just have to return to Tuscany once again!

This vineyard in Tuscany was enjoying the sunshine that was being cast upon it. It was late September when we visited the Siena area and the leaves were beginning to show their autumn colors, and the grapes appeared ready for picking. I could almost taste the flavor of fine Italian wine.

More Things to See & Do in Italy!

Venice – Places & Things to See
Pompeii – The Lost City
The Dolomites – The Italian Alps

Palazzo Contucci Wine Cellar is in Montepulciano. While there, we decided to stop in for a quick look around. The gentleman there invited us in, encouraged us to look around, take our time, and of course take photos. The wine cellar had a wonderful atmosphere that I hope you can see in this image. The wine barrels were a warm amber color and the walls of the building were showing their age; the perfect setting to mature fine wine.

A Tuscany sunset was another vision I had dreamed about. We sat at this hill top not wanting to leave as we watched the sun fade across the vineyards. It had been a glorious two days in Siena, two days I will never forget.

Tuscany is a splendid region to visit. The scenery is not only stunning, but the people are friendly and always have a smile on their faces, or an outstretched hand to great you. We loved our time in Tuscany and our stay in Montepulciano was the highlight of our trip to this area. We’re looking forward to returning soon!

For deals in any season on lodging options in the Tuscany/Siena region of Italy check here on Booking.com.

Happy Travels!

Have you been to the Tuscany region or visited the town of Montepulciano? What was the highlight of your visit?

The post Tuscany, Italy and Medieval Montepulciano Part II appeared first on YouShouldGoToo.

Tuscany, Italy and the Walled City of Montepulciano

Barbara — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 16:00:29 +0000

Montepulciano, located in the heart of Tuscany is one of Italy’s most charming medieval walled hill towns. We wanted a true taste of Tuscany while in Italy, so we chose Montepulciano in the Siena province for our stay.

Where is Montepulciano?

Montepulciano is located in the province of Siena in Southern Tuscany. It is set in the heart of the Tuscan countryside in the Vino Nobile wine region sitting high atop a limestone ridge on Monte Poliziano. The area is known for its great production of red wines. The most famous being the Nobile di Montepulciano, one of the most appreciated Italian wines in all of Italy..

The vineyards in Tuscany are located in some of Italy’s most beautiful landscapes. The countryside is made up of rolling hills, farms, rows of cypress trees, olive groves and vineyards.

What is Montepulciano?

Montepulciano is a medieval walled hill town founded in the 3rd – 4th centuries BC. Famous for its remarkable medieval grandeur and architecture of Renaissance and Baroque design as well as its famed Vino Nobile wine produced in the surrounding countryside. It is a renaissance town and one of the most attractive hill towns in all of Tuscany.

This was our first view of Montepulciano in Tuscany. It was awe-inspiring and we eagerly anticipation entering this famed walled town.

Here you will find one of the most impressive central squares in Tuscany, the Piazza Grande, which is surrounded by historic Renaissance buildings. We were amazed at the amount of visual wear that could be seen on the steps entering many of the buildings. Worn by the footsteps of people passing through these doors over the centuries, the wear is evident in these images.

Town Hall is located on the west side of the Piazza Grande, was constructed at the end of the 14th century and is one of the main buildings in Piazza Grande. For Twilight fans – this is where parts of The Twilight Saga: New Moon were shot….

Palazzo Nobili-Tarugi, in the Piazza Grande, is a majestic Renaissance palace. Its façade is made entirely of travertine. It is one of the most noted in the area for its architectural characteristics which are original making it unique. Note the worn steps and cobblestone street.

Duomo of Montepulciano, or the cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, was built between 1594 and 1680. The façade has never been completed but the 14th century bell tower, which belonged to the demolished St. Mary Parish Church, remains unaltered.

More Things to See & Do in Italy!

Venice – Places & Things to See
Pompeii – The Lost City
The Dolomites – The Italian Alps

Where We Stayed in Montepulciano

We stayed at Palazzo Bellarmino, which is an historic building located just steps from the main Piazza. Our “room” was actually a huge apartment with a fully equipped kitchen and stunning views of the Tuscan countryside. As in most Tuscan hill towns, you will need to park your car in one of the public lots outside the walled city. It is not a far walk to the hotel.

The Palazzo Bellarmino Courtyard is located in the center of the hotel. The architecture in this historic building is impressive. We found the staff to be extremely friendly and helpful. Although we arrived late, they were waiting for us with a warm welcome, showed us to our room and informed us about things to do in town. I would highly recommend Palazzo Bellarmino. You will find many great restaurants and small delis all within walking distance of the hotel.

Our evening walk took us to Porta al Prato, the entrance gate just as the sun was beginning to set. The golden glow in the sky set the mood exactly the way we had envisioned Tuscany to be.

Cafes line the quaint cobblestone streets. It’s easy to get lost in time as you stroll through this romantic hill town.

Cafes, or bars, as they are known in Italy have a warm inviting look. Walking through the narrow cobblestones streets in the evening, trying to decide where to eat was more fun than actual stopping to eat. Who needs food when you can admire scenes like this?

But all the walking did work up an appetite so we settled on a small café, sat down and enjoyed our food. I don’t recall the name of the café we chose but like most cafes and restaurants in town, the atmosphere and the food were unforgettable.

When in the Tuscan region of Italy, I would highly recommend a visit to this famous walled city. And of course, for all the Twilight fans out there, the second episode of the “Twilight Saga: New Moon” was filmed in Montepulciano. A tour of the filming sites that follows where your favorite actors and actresses went while they were filming here can be arranged in Montepulciano.

Find lodging deals for any season in Montepulciano here at Booking.com.

So ended our first day exploring scenic Tuscany and Montepulciano.

Taste the wine, enjoy the view and explore around every corner…you will be inspired by Tuscany.

I know we were.

CONTINUED: Part II of our two part series on Tuscany, Italy and the walled city of Montepulciano

Have you been to the Tuscany region in Italy or is it on your bucket list? Lets us know your thoughts in the comments below, we’d like to hear from you too!

The post Tuscany, Italy and the Walled City of Montepulciano appeared first on YouShouldGoToo.

The Dolomites, Italy

Barbara — Thu, 31 Jan 2013 11:13:37 +0000

The Dolomites (the Italian Alps) in Italy is one of the most beautiful alpine regions in the world and one not to be missed. We were headed to the town of Cortina d’Ampezzo in Italy for our stay that evening. We would be taking Tre Cime Road to the Dolomites the next morning. Dreaming of hiking the Dolomites in Italy, the Cime Panoramic Road would take us to the place we wanted to be!

The Dolomites in Italy have our attention!

The glow on the Dolomites gave us a feel of the spectacular beauty that was ahead for us the next day. We were excited! The sun was beginning to set on the Italian Alps before we reached our destination of Cortina d’Ampezzo.

Where to Stay in Cortina?

We chose Hotel Columbia & Spa located in the little mountain town of Cortina d’Ampezzo for our stay. Though known for its winter ski resorts, Cortina is also one of the areas best known summer vacation towns. During the warmer months, Cortina is a favorite of hikers, bikers and mountain climbers. In addition to extensive hiking and biking trails in unforgettable scenery, Cortina offers excellent local food that can be enjoyed in the many restaurants in town.

About Us

Hi! We are Lou and Barbara, a world traveling, nature loving couple searching out new and interesting places to explore, photograph and share with you our readers.CONTINUE READING

The Hotel Columbia is fashioned after an old Alpine Hotel. The interior featured carved wood and Alpine style paintings throughout the hotel. Our room was beautifully decorated and spotlessly clean. The view from our balcony was spectacular. Breakfast was plentiful and served in an attractive dining area. The staff at The Columbia Hotel was helpful in offering information and directions for restaurants and things to do in the area. We would highly recommend this hotel for your stay in Cortina d’Ampezzo.

Where to Eat in Cortina?

We chose the Croda Café located at the north end of the shopping center in Cortina for dinner. We ordered pizza and calzones for our dinner and both were delicious. Top that off with a nice cold beer and you have the perfect meal to end the perfect day. Only a 10 minute walk from our hotel we found the town center to have everything we needed. You will find shops, restaurants and pharmacies available here.

See the sign with the green cross? This is the easily recognizable sign of a pharmacy. Good to know should you be in need of a prescription refill or an over the counter pain medication. Pharmacies are rarely found in supermarkets in Europe where you can purchase over the counter drugs, contrary to North America, so look for the flashing green cross for your pharmacy needs, it’s easy to spot!

The Dolomites in Italy

Starting out early in the morning, passing this view of the town of Cortina d’Ampezzo, we headed to the Tre Cime Road to the Tre Cime Park. We were excited to be heading right to the center of the Italian mountains. The Tre Cime Road is a toll road but well worth the price as you will see once you reach the top. It’s only a 30 minute drive from Cortina d’Ampezzo here and at the end of the road you will find plenty of parking in the large parking area. You can find lodging deals for any season in Cortina d’Ampezzo at Booking.com.

At the Tre Cime Park in the Dolomites you will see many hikers, walking and biking through this extraordinary scenery. Words cannot express the overwhelming beauty of the Italian Alps. The view alone is worth the trip.

More Things To See & Do In Italy!

Venice – Things to See & Photograph
Pompeii – The Lost City
Tuscany – Walled City of Montepulciano

We visited the Dolomites in the fall. It was cool at this high altitude but the skies were sunny and clear. You can see the town of Misurina and Lake Misurina in this photograph. Make this a part of your drive through the Dolomites for sure. The memories will last a lifetime.

The Dolomites have many historic hiking trails to enjoy. Pick up a trail guide and head out for an enjoyable day of hiking. Be sure to check the weather forecast and take plenty of water and nourishment for the length of time you plan to be on the trails. Remember, your situation can change at any minute and you need to be prepared.

Spectacular scenery can be viewed at the end of Tre Cime Road. We parked our car and walked for a short distance and this is the scene we were rewarded with…amazing! I will never forget this spectacular view of the Italian Alps.

The Little Town of Misurina in The Dolomites

After admiring the beauty of the surrounding Dolomites, we drove down to Misurina to do a little shopping. The view of Lake Misurina with the Dolomites in background was stunning. We sat on a bench next to the lake for quite some time admiring the peaceful beauty that surrounded us. What an amazing place to sit, relax and reflect on the wonderful day we experienced in the Italian Alps. I can’t put into words how it feels to stand in the midst of such overwhelming beauty, but I know we loved our visit to the Dolomites!

Have you been to the Dolomites in Italy? We’d love to hear about your experience too.

Please leave your comments below.

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