This is a post in my new “Awesome Photos” series.
My very first trip to Europe was to Italy in the autumn of 2005. On that trip, I visited Rome, Sorrento, and the Amalfi Coast — and I fell in love. With the food, the history, the architecture, the culture… (I could have done without the cat-calling Italian men, of course, but I suppose that's just part of the culture, too).
After a week in Italy, I vowed that someday I would go back and see more of the country.
It took me nearly a decade to return to Italy, however; I didn't go back for a second time until 2013. But that second trip was just as good as the first — maybe even better.
Here are 22 of my favorite photos from my second trip to Italy, highlighting some of my favorite destinations and experiences:
The Grand Canal in Venice
Venice is everything you've heard about it — and yet completely different at the same time. Yes, it's crowded and confusing and maybe a little bit smelly. But nothing compares to crossing a bridge over the Grand Canal for the first time.
Florence from Piazzale Michelangelo
Birthplace of art and culture and the Italian Renaissance, Florence is a must-see in Italy. And for an unforgettable vantage point, head to Piazzale Michelangelo for views out over Florence (complete with Ponte Vecchio bridge) like this.
Ruins at the Roman Forum
Rome is obviously the center of the former Roman Empire — and some of the most impressive ruins can still be seen at the Roman Forum, including columns like these.
Burano Canal
One of my favorite day trips from Venice was to some nearby islands (because Venice isn't the only island in the Venetian Lagoon!). This photo is of the main canal in Burano, a small island known for its colorful homes.
Inside St. Peter's Basilica
I don't care if you're religious or not — visiting St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City is a MUST in Italy. The massive church is filled with marble and gold and precious stones (most of it pilfered from other great empires of the world) and is nothing short of breathtaking.
Monteriggioni
Built by the Sienese during Siena's wars with Florence, Moteriggioni is a small fortified city in Tuscany with its medieval stone walls still partially in-tact.
Duomo di Siena
Italy has no shortage of impressive, jaw-dropping churches. And the Duomo in Siena is definitely one of these. This one dates back to the 1200s; I loved this part of its facade.
Venice architecture
Spend time in Venice, and you will immediately be able to recognize its architecture. I love these buildings along the Grand Canal (gondola included, of course).
Vatican City
It's usually crowded, but St. Peter's Square in Vatican City is still worth stopping by.
Florence Duomo from afar
This photo — with Florence's Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore dominating the scene — was also shot from Piazzale Michelangelo.
Inside the Roman Colosseum
The Colosseum is an Italian icon recognized worldwide. But have you seen it from this vantage point before? This photo was snapped from the highest remaining level of the ancient amphitheater.
Wine tasting in Chianti
No trip to Italy would be complete without wine tasting. This tasting table was set up at a small, family-owned winery in the Chianti wine region, and we tasted wine and had dinner as the sun went down over the vineyards. Blissful doesn't begin to describe it.
Italian life
The laundry on the line makes this one of my favorite photos from Italy, I think. It was shot on the island of Burano.
Lone gondolier
In the summer months, it's common to see “traffic jams” of gondolas in Venice's canals. That's why this scene – of a long gondolier – caught my attention.
Arno reflections
Can you name this city? It's actually Florence. I love the reflections of the buildings and clouds in the Arno River here.
The Pantheon
In Rome, be sure not to skip the Pantheon. I love this shot because of the addition of the white-robed nuns in the front left.
Dining al fresco
This little cafe was spotted in the medieval town of Monteriggioni. It just screamed “Italy” to me with the colors and overall ambiance.
Orvieto
Located in southwestern Umbria, Orvieto sits atop a volcanic bluff — making views from here especially dramatic.
A view from a dome
If you make your way to the Vatican, be sure to spend the extra time and money to climb to the top of the dome of St. Peter's Basilica. From there, you get THIS incredible view out over the Vatican and Rome.
Siena
Famous for its Palio horse races and its UNESCO-protected historic center, Siena caught my eye because of its color — the muted browns and terracottas and oranges… they made for a great image.
Up close with gondolas
Here's an up-close look at gondolas on the Grand Canal in Venice. You can't just show up here and buy one — competition to become a gondolier is intense, and the right is often passed down from father to son.
Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore
Here's a closer look at Florence's Duomo. It's massive and makes you feel very, very small when walking beside it.
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Which photo makes YOU want to go to Italy the most?
Amanda Williams is the award-winning blogger behind A Dangerous Business Travel Blog. She has traveled to more than 60 countries on 6 continents from her home base in Ohio, specializing in experiential and thoughtful travel through the US, Europe, and rest of the world. Amanda only shares tips based on her personal experiences and places she's actually traveled!
Wow! Beautiful photos! Makes me want to pack a bag and take off to Italy. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks! Putting this together had me plotting a return to Italy myself…
So beautiful!!! Can’t wait to be in Italy. I love the transportation through the water. Is it cheap?
The gondolas? No, gondola rides in Venice aren’t cheap. About 80 Euro an hour, I believe. Though you can have I think up to 6 people in a boat. So I suppose it wouldn’t be too bad if you have 4 or 5 people. But it’s pricey for just 1 or 2!
Great shots – it’s like taking a photo tour of Italy. I’ve only spent 5 days there so far, but I loved it and can’t wait to go back!!
I can’t wait to go back, either – there are still so many spots on my Italy bucket list!
gorgeous shots! 🙂
Thanks, Rachel!
Great photos of lovely Italy! Congratulations!
Thank you!
Hey these photos are amazing! Venice is a unique city in the world! My wife and I lived 3 years there and we still don’t know the entire city and its islands! 😀
It IS really unique! There’s definitely no other place in the world quite like it.
Italy is fantastic, my favourite city in the world is Venice. There is something simply magical about the city. Beautiful photographs.
Venice IS kind of magical! I was totally surprised by how much I loved it.
Having been to Italy three times I have a lot of similar photos but I have to say that yours are somehow much more stunning! I’m still learning though and will be using your pics as inspiration.
Aww thanks, Sarah!
All beautiful photos of Italy. Ah the laundry photo – it just made me wonder if anyone ever snaps photos of my laundry while its hanging out to dry. My blanket has been hanging on my line for a week now. Every time it’s nearly dry, the daily storm bursts without warning and soaks it again. The joys of living in Italy…
Haha, who knows. Maybe one day you’ll see a photo of your own laundry on a travel blog!
The Parthenon is in Greece. The Pantheon is in Rome!!!! Shame on you, editor!!!!
Settle down, settle down. Mistakes happen. It’s been corrected.
Oh how could I possibly pick one? All of those photos are incredible. I fell in love with Italy as well, especially Rome, and cannot wait to go back. I think if I really had to pick it would be the Wine Tasting in Chianti. I had not developed my taste for wine yet when I was there and so I can’t wait to go back and try some! It looks like such a wonderful place to have a meal. But seriously all of those photos are amazing and really really make me want to go back to Italy and experience a different side. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Thanks, Veronica! Italy is pretty easy to fall in love with, if you ask me!
Love all the photos as it brings me back to our extensive trip to Italy in 2010. That said, a correction is needed in your text above. The Pantheon is in Rome, Italy. The Parthenon is in Athens, Greece.
D’oh, right you are! And of course I know that. But this is what happens when you put posts together at midnight!
Although I love Venice and Burano for the beautiful architecture and colours, I think I will have to say Monteriggioni. It just captures the essence of the Italian countryside, which I adore 🙂
It definitely does – the perfect quiet place to enjoy the history and countryside!
Wow, such amazing photos. I’ve never been to Italy and tend to sort of skip over Italy photos, thinking I’ve seen pics of pretty much all the big things there, but these photos made me slow down and appreciate it a lot more. I loved all the ones that show the massive scale of the huge old buildings!
Thanks so much, Rika! So good to hear that my photos made you slow down a bit. 🙂
These pictures of Italy are all awesome. I love the one of the Durano Canal. Those colorful house remind me of Willemstad Curacao. And the wine tasting picture just looks so serene and relaxed. I could sit there for hours day dreaming!
That Burano photo is one of my favorites, too! I love all the colors.