It wasn’t easy to select just 2 places to visit for the Italian leg of our trip since this country is blessed with a wealth of scenic destinations. But, with only 8 days up our sleeve and not wanting to revisit places from previous trips, we settled on Mantua and Genova.
We had loose plans which didn’t venture past breathing in lots of il dolce far niente – the sweetness of doing nothing. So, each day unfolded easily thanks to morning caffe, a little fossicking in shops, a church or palace visit, foccacia, formaggio, siesta, aperitivo, pasta, vino. ‘Twas 8 good days.
Mantova lies south of Verona and we arrived here on a train from Innsbruck Austria via the tunnels and scenery of the Brenner Pass.
Our time in easy going medieval Mantua is reflected in these pics.
Dined one fine warm night herePesto pasta and burrataDining in the midst of medieval magicCatholic to its core Medieval MantovaMantova – a medieval architectural heavyweightSpring is definitely in the air. Outdoor dining has returned with a vengeanceHearty pasta and a very drinkable red wineDucal Palace built between 14th and 17th century One of 500 rooms at the palacePalace Arches Sad news on our last day in Mantova
From Mantova, we headed south to Genova, again by train. Punctual, comfortable, roomy, unrushed, we’ve certainly savoured our train travel experiences during this trip.
Genova is very different to Mantova. It’s a port city with grit and a fabulous historic centre full of narrow lanes leading to piazzas, cathedrals and cafes. Best of all, it’s not overtouristed and within easy reach by boat or train to beach towns like Portofino. We thoroughly enjoyed our time here.
From our apartment – San de Lorenzo Cattedrale where a steady stream of nuns and locals paid their respects to Pope FrancisMore apartment views, this time with pizza and wineGenova’s once strong maritime and naval power translated to much wealth as seen in Piazza de FerrariThe very grand Via XX Septembre for shoppingPalazzo Ducal (Doge’s Palace)Spritz and beer in this sunny piazzaCafes are celebrating a return to warmer weatherLook up for the adornmentsLoading up on pizza and spritzIn 1492 Colombus sailed the ocean blue…Born in Genoa and contracted to the Spanish royal family, Colombus explored the New World bringing back immense riches. These columns near his Genoese house of birth commemorate his achievements.Bocadasse – once a quiet fishing village. Within walking distance from historic centreSan Fruttuoso – a stop on the way from Genova to Portofino. The beach lies below a 1000 year old abbey. Portofino – heaving with tourists on Italy’s Liberation Day
That’s a wrap for my foray into Italy. Flix bussing to Marseille France next.
Perfect! Yea, exactly–lightweight, easy to use. Totally. When we were in Italy, I shot everything on my iPhone–it’s really incredible how much these phone cameras have evolved in a relatively short amount of time!
Fuelled by travel 
I haven’t been to either, but from your pictures and descriptions, I’m more drawn to Genova, especially that fountain picture. Maggie
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You’d enjoy Genova – It’s got a bit of everything to keep you there for a few days
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Your photography is fantastic!! Beautiful places, well-captured. Loved the anecdotes and musings to introduce them as well!
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Thanks so much. My Samsung phone is my camera – lightweight and easy to use.
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Perfect! Yea, exactly–lightweight, easy to use. Totally. When we were in Italy, I shot everything on my iPhone–it’s really incredible how much these phone cameras have evolved in a relatively short amount of time!
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