Culture Corner: Italy - Tuscany to the Dolomites: Part I

As is annual tradition here at Speculiction, we like to take a break from cublicle life to post photos of our vacations - not as pseudo-Instagram fodder, rather as a celebration of the beautiful places and people there are to experience with our time on Earth.  As proof, you will not find my ugly face muddying the crystal blue waters.

The following is the first of two posts related to our Italy vacation.  We started in northern Tuscany, visited a few places in the region, moved to Lago di Garda for a few days, and finished in the Dolomites.  It was even better than the photos.

#A1 – The first week in Italy was spent in Tuscany at this villa, spending time under the sun, going for walks, swimming in the river, and otherwise relaxing.

#A2 – Florence was a two-hour drive away.  I learned walking its streets that the city is a place I never appreciated as much as I should have.

#A3 – Some of Florence's splendor.

#A4 – It's amazing, candy cake cathedral. Would have loved to go inside and even climb the tower, but peak tourist season...

#A5 – The Gates of Paradise were another pleasant surprise.

#A6 – This enterprising young man, the light of our future, waited near this fountain for errant coins thrown by tourists. He snapped up those which did not get through the grill . No shame.

#A7 – The Ponte Vecchio

#A8 – Drive home from Florence through one of the many local villages and vineyards...

#A9 – Not Florence, this is the Basilica of Sant'Andrea in Mantua – a side stop on the road to Lago di Garda.

#A11 – The Ducal Palace in Mantua

End of Part I.  Part II can be found here.