There won’t be enough room on this website for the number of pictures that I will end up with from this beautiful country. I will leave it to your hungry imaginations to picture all of the images of pasta, cappuccinos, bread, cheese, meats and wine… and of course GELATO!!
The Italian countryside taken on a tour of the Tuscan wineries near Montepulciano.
"The Embrace", by Italian artist Andrea Roggi is located in Siena. The sculpture depicts two human lovers transforming into a single olive tree.
This is our son, Drew enjoying a visit to a small Italian village on our wine tour.
This image caught my attention as I used the light coming from behind the cross. I like to think of this as Christ emerging from the light, overtaking the darkness.
This personal collection of Brunello di Montalcino, bottled in 1977 was just outside my price range.
"The Embrace" in full view of Duomo in Siena on the right and the the Basilica of San Domenico on the left, also known as Besilica Cateriniana, where her head resides. Quite the experience, and not uncommon in Italy to find the body parts of those considered holy.
The Duomo in Siena, Italy.
The view from a street in Siena, overlooking the Italian rooftops as the clouds roll in.
This photo was taken at the bottom of an ancient cellar. You can see the steps in the middle where they walked up, pulling the cart with wine casks, or some other items stored in the depths of these caves in Orvieto. The cat wasn't sure what I was doing... and I wasn't sure what he was doing.
I took this photo from the bottom of the famous Pozzo di San Patrizio in Orvieto during the Christmas season, when they hang lights at the top of the well.
More images from a wine cellar of a friend's home in Orvieto.
Experimenting with black and white photos. Same wine cellar.
Shutters across the street from an apartment where we stayed in Siena.
The view of the Duomo in Orvieto from the Via del Duomo.
Picture taken from the Campo Tower in Siena, overlooking the historical city center and the Duomo in the background.
View of the Italian countryside on the edge of the hilltop town of Orvieto.
Black & white version of the view into the Parrocchia di Sant'Andrea e di San Bartolomeo, inside the Piazza della Republica.
The hilltop town of Orvieto.
View from the edge of the wall in Orvieto. The castle in the forefront was owned by the family of a very close friend. We were sad to learn that they sold it. Not that we could buy it, but still nice to have the option.
Statue of a random monk in Orvieto. I'm sure he's famous for something. There may even be one of his body parts in one of the churches.
Statue of the Madonna being moved from Parrocchia di Sant'Andrea e di San Bartolomeo to the Duomo in Orvieto. It is quite the production and parade.
Color version of the view into the Parrocchia di Sant'Andrea e di San Bartolomeo, inside the Piazza della Republica.
Sunset over the hills near Siena.
Morning mist over Siena countryside.
another view of the Siena countryside looking through the cross atop one of the ancient churches.
Vineyard near Montepulciano. While the grapes look tasty, the liquid version is much better.
I've always been intrigued by the statue of David, located inside the Galleria dell'Accademia in Florence.
It has been held out as an example of the perfect male form.
The detailed human form that Michelangelo coaxed from solid granite is remarkable.
It's hard to maintain perspective when looking up this 17-foot representation of the "small" shepherd boy who downed a giant.
The faith and determination are perfectly captured.
Nighttime view of the Torre d'Arnolfo, near the Palazzo Vecchio and Ponte Vecchio in Florence.
Evening view looking down Via Dei Servi with Brunelleschi's famous dome in Florence. Giotto's Bell Tower is on the left.
Looking down on "Juliet's Balcony" in Verona. Yes, Terri and I kissed on the balcony. No, I did not climb up.
In Venice, there are many beautiful gardens just off the waterway.
Two gondolas ready for business.
I loved this reflection photo.
I took some artistic license with the reflection to create this photo.