Of course it’s no surprise to anyone who knows me or is a follower of this blog, that I am always looking for opportunities to return to Italy. The time is fast approaching when I will be leaving for Bella Italia, and I am psyched about it.
I am not traveling solo this time; instead, my very good friend Patty is my traveling companion, and this is her first trip to Italy! I am changing it up a bit and the first stop is Venice, followed by a cruise to the Greek Isles, and then back to Italia. More on that later. For now, enjoy a few photos from previous trips to La Serenissima.





I’d love to hear your feedback. Please leave a comment.
Jack Erickson
Always love your photos, Margie, always alluring . . . and they tell a story.
Off to Milano in a few weeks, hope we can connect this summer. I’ll be
traveling the last week in June, Lago Garda one place I’ve never been
in northern Italy.
Any chance you’ll be near Milano? Making progress on sequel to
“Thirteen Days.” Booked up on research, visiting locations, and
meeting new translator.
A presto!
Lyn
I do understand your excitement and your happiness. How wonderful
Teresa
Beautiful!
roamingpursuits
Nice photos.
Jackie Byrdsong
Very nice, Margie! Have fun and keep posting those lovely pictures.
Diana
Ohhhhh…Greece too??!!? Fabulous! Keep me posted on your plans…..
Tamela Robinson
I want to go to Italy with you again! I’ll have to be available off season AND I’m supposed to retire in 4+ years…that will go very fast! This summer I am going to Portugal AND hiking the Coast to Coast in England. (and then I will be poor and have to save my money again.)
Never-the-less, thinking of you.
xxoo,
Tammy
nataliescarberry
Hi, Margie, nice to meet you. Lovely pictures. Thanks for visiting my blog and for liking one of my posts! Blessings, Natalie 🙂
stephanie710
Beautiful as always, Margie. Can’t wait for the new book and reports on your next adventure. 🙂
David Savoca
Sounds wonderful. We’re going to Mykonos this summer, via Milano. Looking forward to it!
imarancher
I have often thought you missed your calling. You were very good to your patients, smart and capable but still . . .You simply have quite the “eye” for photography. I love all the pics. I think the first one drew me the most. Yes the gondolas, so much history in such well known articles of modern life.
margieinitaly
Hi Ann Marie, I personally have not seen this, but I am sure they are there, especially in the Friuli region in northeaster Italy.Is this what you mean? http://lafrasca.ca/
Thank you for checking out my blog and taking time to comment!
Ann Marie Ackermann
Exactly, Margie! They are a Europe-wide phenomena, with different names in different countries, and I haven’t visited the Italian version yet. And yes, the Italian ones are only in the region around Trieste.
Franco
Not only in Friuli. You can find the same kind of tipical street food in Rome and surroundings. We call it “fraschetta” (small frasca). If you have enough time visit Frascati (20 km from Roma). Name is self explanatory. Buon viaggio.
Ann Marie Ackermann
Thanks for the tip, Franco! Yes, fraschetta is right — I’ve heard that name before. I hadn’t realized before that they are also near Rome. And if you ever come to Germay, please visit a Besenwirtschaft or Straußwirtschaft. It’s the same custom. You can check it out here: http://www.annmarieackermann.com/category/german-culture/vintners-bush-and-farmstead-taverns-in-europe/
Ann Marie Ackermann
Love it! You make me want to go! I’m curious if you have ever run into a type of eatery called the frasca — in which vintners sell their own wine and advertize by hanging a branch over the door.
ishitasood
See u in Italy bella.. Can’t wait to visit 😀 and meet u in #Venice.. Lovely pictures btw!
margieinitaly
Thank you Ishita! See you soon, Bella!
Nicole
My husband and I will have our first trip to Europe this year without going to Venice. We’ve been over four times and I sneak Venice in every time. But I can’t come up with a good reason to go while in the south of France…lol. Just too far away to be convenient. Ah well, I will get back (carnival is on my bucket list).
margieinitaly
Ciao Nicole, I can identify because there never seems to be enough time to do it all. The south of France is so lovely as well. I visited there for the first time a few years ago and loved it! Grazie for commenting. Buon viaggio!
Andrew Petcher
I thought feeding pigeons in Venice is now illegal?
margieinitaly
You are right, Andrew, but the rule is difficult to enforce, and it has not stopped tourists from doing so. Each time I am there, I see it happening, although perhaps not as much. Thanks so much for leaving a comment, my friend. I always enjoy your photography!
Florence
Beautiful pictures Margie. There is no beauty like that of Italy. Through your pictures or your words, you always take me on a journey back.
I hope for you nothing but the most wonderful, awe inspiring vacation/cruise my friend.
Ciao
margieinitaly
Ciao Florence – I will have a glass of vino for you! I know one day you will return…Thank you again so much for following me through Italy on my blog!
Cathy Sweeney
I’m finally getting a chance to return to Italy next month. I’ll be in Tuscany and then a few days in Rome — first time on both counts and I’m totally excited. I think it would be so wonderful to introduce a friends or family members to Italy and see the perpetual smiles on their faces.
margieinitaly
Thank you Cathy! And you are right about the excitement to introduce someone to Bella Italia! I am thrilled that you are able to return to Italy.Enjoy your time in beautiful Toscana and Roma!
dollygoolsby
Aah….Beautiful Venice. it must be exciting for you to have the opportunity to introduce a friend to this magnificent country of Italy. Buon viaggio. I will savor every word that you write about your adventures.
margieinitaly
Grazie, Dolly. Thank you for leaving a comment. I have been enjoying your recent travels through France!
margieinitaly
Grazie, Cara! It will be amazing to finally meet you in person as well! And what bettr place than in Venice!! Ciao adesso! Vediamo a presto.
Jim Hammond
Margie, sound cool. Cruising the Greek Isles is a trip of a life time. We did this cruise leaving from Venice to Athens on Crystal in 2005. I can’t wait to see the pictures. Best of luck… Jim-
margieinitaly
Thank you Jim! I have heard only wonderful things about these islands, so I am excited! Thanks so much for leaving a comment. I have been enjoying your blog with investment tips.