What a wonderful year it has been here in Italy! So many new places visited and enjoyed to the full.
Beginning in January, I headed off to Villabassa in the Italian Dolomites for a non-skier’s week.
Next stop was Venice for a cultural experience in the form of a Walks of Italy tour of the Palazzo Ducale and Basilica of San Marco, where I experienced one of my highlights for 2015 in the shape of the original four bronze horses of San Marco.
March heralded in visits to Bassano del Grappa to see Palladio’s fabulous bridge….
…followed by trips to Marostica, Montagnana and Ferrara.
In April I visited Parco Giardino Sigurta to see one million tulips in bloom. Incredible!
Easter saw a drive down to Rome for a memorable foodie experience………………
…….followed by a couple of days in Pisa in Tuscany.
In May I was back in Venice to explore the secret passages and torture chambers beneath Palazzo Ducale. A fairly hair-raising experience!
May also saw me meeting up with some fellow bloggers in Venice, where we visited a mask factory and were able to try our hand at this ancient craft.
In June I lay on the beach in Lido di Jesolo, soaking up the rays, watching as the Frecce Tricolori swooped overhead.
July saw a day in Grado in the Friuli-Venezia-Giulia.
In August my son got married in Dublin, Ireland, so I spent two weeks in the Emerald Isle. While there, I visited luxurious Ashford Castle in County Mayo, where I was introduced to the ancient sport of falconry.
We then walked on the quiet beaches and admired shapely Benbulben in County Sligo.
Before August was over, I spent a few days in Castelluccio di Norcia in Umbria. Beyond beautiful.
Another visit to Venice brought me to the colourful island of Burano.
In early September I spent a week in Villabassa in the Italian Dolomites with fellow blogger Tom Weber, The Palladian Traveler, where we sampled many of the summer activities – and foods – of the area. We were there as guests of Hotel Adler and had a wonderful time walking, cycling and eating!
We then drove to Terni in Umbria as guests of GAL Ternano and visited Arrone, Amelia and the Marmore Falls.
Next stop was Puglia, where we sampled the delights of Ostuni, Otranto, Santa Maria di Leuca and many places in between.
Back in Ireland in mid-October, we visited The Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland.
In November we experienced a very chilly Venice when we joined in a boat tour and tower climb with fabulous views of the city and lagoon.
In December I headed over to Venice, yet again, for a wine tasting. I also took the opportunity to visit the Scuola di San Rocca. Magnificent!
In between all these trips around Italy, I enjoyed spending a great deal of time in Vicenza, city of Palladio.
And, of course, I live among the vineyards and olive groves in the beautiful Euganean Hills, just south of Padova.
Then to Rome for Christmas. A perfect ending to a wonderful Italian (and slightly Irish) 2015……….
Happy New Year!
Orna O’Reilly
Veneto, Italy
Orna O'Reilly: Travelling Italy 
Orna — You sure experienced a year that most people would envy. Great photos!
Thanks Tom. Waiting to see your own year in photos now! 🙂
I didn’t get in at the beginning, but I’ve enjoyed the journey so far and look forward to more. Happy 2016, Orna.
janet
Better late than never Janet! Really delighted you’ve been enjoying travelling around Italy with me. Lots more trips planned for 2016, so keep popping by. Happy New Year. Orna
Orna – You had a very full year that looks so enjoyable! Thank you for sharing the photos of your travels..I am so happy we had the chance to meet and spend that day together in Venice!! Felice anno nuovo!
Indeed Margie. It was a very full year, but quite exciting too. Hope to meet up again as soon as you’re back in Italy. Tanti auguri! Orna
Cara Orna…what a gorgeous year! I’m with Tom and love tagging along with you! Highlight for me was connecting with you and other Italy bloggers who are all now closest of friends…aren’t we lucky? Ci vediamo in 2016!!! xo
Meeting up with you, Margie, Susan and Ishita was truly a highlight. Wonderful to find such a happy connection with people I had only met on line through blogging and Twitter. Looking forward to further meet-ups in 2016. Happy New Year and Tanti Auguri. Orna xx
Happy New Year Orna! You have been a busy gal this last year…I love your Irish jig! would you believe I had to dance an Irish Jig in front of everyone at the grocery checkout one time? The checker said I had to or no groceries. Needless to say, it really was quick and painless:)
Gosh Susan! A lady of many talents…..where did you learn Irish dancing? I did it at school years ago and it came back to me in a rush when the gathering of Romans insisted I give a demonstration. Not sure what was in that wine………………! Happy New Year to you and your family and happy blogging for 2016. Hope to meet up again in Italy this year. Keep me posted. 🙂
Our adventures must collide in 2016, Orna! I can think of plenty of things in Friuli that you would love to see and do. We’ll be in touch!
Likewise here in the Veneto! Yes, we should make a plan to make our adventures collide in 2016. Hope you’re enjoying my blog. Happy New Year Rachel. Orna