Italy

Things to do in Italy :

  • Visit the island cemetery of Cimitero di San Michele and muse about the lives of the people buried there.
  • Tour the secret passages of the Doge’s Palace in Venice and get a glimpse inside the ancient politics and Venice’s role in the world of trading, finance and justice.
  • Take a tour of the Vatican with Context Tours – “tours for the intellectually curious” – and experience the art, architecture and history with an incredibly interesting and knowledgeable guide.

Hotels in Italy :

  • Not quite hotel/not quite hostel, the unique cool vibe of the Beehive has had me coming back over and over again.

Food in Italy :

Pictures of Italy :

Italy is a photographer’s delight. From cities that comfortably combine both the ancient and modern to stunning coast lines to beautiful piazzas. You can see it all and more in my photo gallery of Italy. Ciao Bella!!

Read More About Italy Travel

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Hike the Alta Via 1 in the Dolomites with a Group

February 28, 2023 2 Comments »

alta via 1 group hike

As I started the climb up the Alta Via 1 trail from Brais Lake, my body was anxious with excitement – the kind of excitement you get when you start an epic journey. This was the beginning of a day of lots of elevation gain, I just hoped that I was in good enough shape […]

Leave the City Behind on this Day Trip from Rome

May 8, 2019 6 Comments »

Rome Day Trip

In an effort to bring you some new voices on Ottsworld, here is a guest post from writer Linda Martinez. I met Linda at her hostel, the Beehive, in Rome 7 years ago! Linda and I connected on many levels (she’s an American expat in Italy), and we have remained friends ever since.  When I […]

Departing Venice with Foggy Memories

October 4, 2012 9 Comments »

Venice fog grand canal

The morning air was cool and crisp when I walked out of my apartment in Venice. The chilly air felt like pin pricks on my skin, but I was happy for this cool breeze because in no time I would be sweating from carrying all of my gear.  I was leaving Venice after my 4 […]

Cimitero di San Michele – An Island of the Dead

May 4, 2012 10 Comments »

cemetery cross

If Venice is named the Floating City, then Cimitero San Michele should be named the Floating Dead.  Yes, it sounds eerie, but cemeteries can also be quite beautiful and moving to visit.  The Cimitero di San Michele has no shortage of moving stories and images.  The only way to get to it is via boat.  […]

Shopping at the Rialto Market in Venice, Italy

May 3, 2012 6 Comments »

blood red orange

The Rialto Market is buzzing with activity; boats pull up to docks and burly men unload crates of blood red oranges and artichokes, locals laugh and socialize with the shop keepers, and the fish mongers scale and prepare the fresh catches of the day.  This is the main market for locals on the island of […]

Breaking Commandments at St. Mark’s Basilica in Venice, Italy

May 2, 2012 8 Comments »

san marco venice

“Thou shall not steal” is known as the eighth commandment – Christianity is built on the Ten Commandments. Yet somehow the most holiest of places in Venice, St. Mark’s Basilica, exists thanks to people breaking the 8th commandment! “Borrowed” Contraband in St. Mark’s Basilica To my surprise I listened to our guide Giussepina talk about […]

The Secret of the Doge’s Palace in Venice, Italy

May 1, 2012 7 Comments »

Doges Palace

Put the word “secret” in front of anything and you’ll get people’s attention. It congers up thoughts of voyeurism, hushed tones, sneaking around, mafia, politics, and religion. Putting the words “Doge’s Palace” behind it creates even more allure…that is if you know what the Doge’s Palace is. Doge’s Palace Tour If you’ve set foot in […]