So there I was, after almost two years of careful planning, looking out at St. Mark’s square in Venice, on what was the most beautiful, sun-kissed day. The sky was as deep blue as the Mediterranean itself, and it seemed to embrace, and welcome me, to this magnificent country of Italy.

The day of my departure, I left home in Southern, Vermont and headed to Albany, NY to catch the Amtrak train into NYC. Exhausted from what little sleep that I had, I was a bit startled when the train, en route to New York City suddenly stopped. After what seemed like an eternity, we were all informed that there was a problem with another train, and that we were to be delayed for quite some time, perhaps as long as several hours time. Not great news, since between the train and the ride to the airport, it didn’t allow for more than an hour and a half or so of ‘extra’ time. Needless to say, when I finally arrived to JFK airport, I had made the flight, just in the nick of time, literally running to the gate as they began to close the doors.

So there I was, finally standing in St. Mark’s square in Venice, at the beginning of what would become known as, one of the most memorable trips of my life. My walking led me through the canals and maze of streets throughout Venice, admiring the architecture, scenery, and stop! Wait a minute, look at that door. It’s simply beautiful. I need to have a picture of it. And so it all began…

I left Venice and drove through Treviso (White Wine Road) to Valdobbiadene, home to the famous Prosecco grapes and one of my favorite vineyards, Mionneto. After what proved to be the best vineyard tour ever, I headed to Bassano del Grappa (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bassano_del_Grappa) in the Veneto region of Northern Italy. Here I stayed at the lovely Villa Brocchi Colonna (http://www.villabrocchicolonna.it/page.jsp?idLingua=37). The next day, I drove up Monte Grappa to see the impressive WWI memorial/chapel at the summit. With its spectacular, breathtaking views of the dolomites, Monte Grappa is an absolute must see if you are planning to spend any time in Northern Italy.

Descending Monte Grappa, I visited one of Northern Italy’s finest hill towns, Asolo.

This is one of my favorite shots taken of a window in Asolo, and available as a note card at www.raragreetingcards.com

From here I then headed to Lake Como, staying in Bellagio, which is said to be the prettiest town in all of Europe.
Two words: stunningly beautiful.

After Bellagio, it was off to the Cinque-Terre, where I hiked the “Sentiero Azzurro” footpath from Monterosso all the way to Vernazza. The hike takes you along steep rugged cliffs alongside the sparkling blue Mediterranean, by vineyards, and even through olive groves. Each village, Monterosso al Mare, Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia and Vernazza has its own unique identity.

Between Riomaggiore and Manarola is the Via dell’ Amore (walkway of love). Home to many artists, this walkway features some of the finest graffiti that I’ve ever seen.

Monterosso al Mare boasts some of the freshest seafood anywhere. One of my favorite restaurants was Il Pirata, a wonderful little osteria. Roaming around the Cinque Terre,
I was simply awestruck by the beauty of these coastal villages, and the warm welcome that I received from everyone I met.

Here are some additional photos of the region that I hope you will enjoy.

I departed reluctantly, and headed to Gaiole in Chianti, Tuscany. It was here where I was inspired to create the Doors of Italy poster.

There is just something about these ancient, masterfully restored, Tuscan homes with their solid, medieval-type doors, and ancient stonework. There’s a strength that resides within these walls, and a peacefulness that is written all over the landscape.

I spent four days in Tuscany, and like the other villages that I had visited, the area seemed to plead with me to stay longer. Words simply cannot describe the beauty of the Tuscan countryside. If you’ve been, then you know exactly what I mean. If you haven’t, then what on earth are you waiting for? Go!

I stayed at Borgo Argenina in Gaiole (http://www.borgoargenina.it/) and made day trips into Siena, Volpaia, Pienza, Montalcino, and Florence – where I climbed the stairs to the top of the Duomo Santa Maria Delfiore. I also visited some incredible wineries like Argiano, and Badia a Coltibuono.

I drove along the spectacular Crete Senese Drive, which takes you along a hilly area just South of Siena known as the “Sienese Crests.” It’s full of rich, colorful, quintessential Tuscan scenes. You drive past mature olive groves, rustic stone farmhouses, and endless row upon row of majestic cypress trees. This drive is a photographers dream. Many of these images have been featured on countless calendars, postcards and posters.

Driveway into Borgo Argenina, and the spectacular view from our cottage window.

My journeys through the Tuscan hillside, often led me through smaller villages, off the beaten path that were so incredibly beautiful, I found myself just stopping occasionally to get out and soak all of it in for as long as I possibly could. Villages like Panzano, and Vagliagli, where these pictures were taken:

I was very sad at having to leave Tuscany. I knew all too well that I would miss my afternoons filled with great wine, fresh pecorino cheese, prosciutto and fresh figs from Elena’s fig tree at Borgo Argenina.

From here I headed to Rome, and with the help of some very skilled tour guides, managed to see all of the ruins, tour the Vatican, and walk among the souls of the great gladiators at the coliseum. I enjoyed an incredible late lunch at Filetti di Baccala (fried cod fillets), highly recommended by Rick Steves and the NY Times. There’s a reason why all the locals rave about this fried cod.

Rome has so many beautiful doors to photograph, but instead, I found myself snapping up as many photos as I could, of the endless display of ancient artifacts in and around the city. Rome is truly a magical city, and I look forward to spending a lot more time there on my next visit.

The night before my departure, I loaded all of the pictures from my trip onto my laptop. And as I recalled my journey, I was overwhelmed by all the beauty, grace, and charm that Italy has to offer.

I started to view all of my pictures of doors side by side, and thought this would make a wonderful ‘Doors of Italy’ collage worth framing. Shortly after arriving home, I did just that; I had all the pictures matted and framed, and it hangs in my home. After my sister, and several guests commented on the piece, and requested that I make them one, I decided to publish the poster, and offer it to the world: www.doorsofitaly.com.

I hope you have enjoyed reading about my travels through Northern Italy. Please visit my links page, and feel free to contact me with any questions or comments that you may have.

Ciao,

Ray