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Italy

The Magic of Venice: The Tour Begins

Torcello Statuary Photo © Alice Joyce

Cruising by on a vaporetto, sights such as a palazzo’s lavishly adorned facade could make me catch my breath despite being surrounded by activity. And no, I wasn’t tempted to take part in an overpriced gondola ride. Except, that is, when crossing the Few destinations boast the magical atmosphere of Venice. Grand Canal on a gondola traghetto ferry. For E. ,50 – half a Euro. It’s a cool way to be shuttled across, feeling one with the saavvy Venetians who employ this mode of transport as a shortcut. In upcoming features I’ll be touring the great gardens and villas of the Veneto region, the beguiling towns of Lago di Garda, travel tips, and more.

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Italy

Beautiful Italy ... Travels in the Veneto

Grand Canal Venice Photo © Alice Joyce

Do check the site for upcoming features on magnificent sights in Venice, along with gardens and villas of the Veneto region, charming places to stay, travel resources, and more.

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Historic Gardens

Villa Lante: Touring Italian Gardens

Villa Lante Stone Table [Photo © Alice Joyce]

The elements of a Renaissance garden come together in a poetic harmony at Villa Lante, northeast of Rome in the village of Bagnaia. Often quoted author of Italian Villas and Their Gardens, the novelist Edith Wharton found the setting to be a magical place when she visited in 1903. The survival of these gardens is commendable, as so many of the period have now vanished. Attributed to the great Mannerist architect, Vignola, Villa Lante began as the dream of Cardinal Gambara in the 16th century. The conversion of a hunting preserve became the glorious landscaped grounds we see today. Cardinal Peretti-Montalto tales credit for the creation of the central Fountain of the Moors.

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