Recently we had the absolute pleasure to enjoy an Italian summer vacation- it never disappoints!
![](https://marylousobel.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Taormina-Bay-768x1024.jpg)
We travelled to Florence, Monteriggioni, Siena, Punta Ala (all in Tuscany) Riposto, Etna, Taormina, Noto, Ortigia (all in Sicily), as well as Modica, Milan and Lake Garda.
I always return back to Australia with a full heart, but also a mind that has been inspired and delighted by the food, people, architecture and history, so I always look forward to putting that inspired, creative energy back into my work.
I have put together some of my favourite photos as a visual diary for you to draw inspiration from too… Have you travelled to Europe and have a story to tell or a recommendation for my next visit? I would love to hear from you, drop me a comment below this post.
I hope you enjoy…
Sicily
Noto
Whilst in Sicily, we stayed in a divine country hotel, The Seven rooms hotel, which was converted into a hotel in the private wing of Palazzo Nicolaci.
For centuries, it belonged to the House of Villadorata. Its been so beautifully renovated and furnished. The hotel featured below is in the heart of the town of Noto.
In Noto, we ate at Manna, where we enjoyed simple, tasty food from the region. Of course, we finished off with granita and ice cream, which is what Noto is renowned for.
![](https://marylousobel.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Tuscany-2-802x1024.jpg)
Ortigia, Riposoto, Etna, Taormina and Modica
![](https://marylousobel.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/italy-1.jpg)
I fell in love with the beautiful architecture in Sicily, along with the cobbled streets.
During our stay in Sicily, we also really enjoyed the fresh produce, which comes from the surrounding countryside. The olives, olive oil, balsamic, bread and of course cheese is all so fresh and tasty. The local vegetables are also rich in nutrients, thanks to the black volcanic ash from Etna, which means that the vegetables really thrive in the soil. Modica is also famous for chocolate, so that was definitely sampled too!
![](https://marylousobel.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/italy-1-1-1024x308.jpg)
Tuscany
![](https://marylousobel.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Baglioni-Resort-Cala-Del-Porto-768x1024.jpg)
What we really loved in Italy were the people- all so generous and hospitable. Of course, I loved admiring the historic and detailed architecture, I couldn’t get enough of the beautiful iron-clad entrance gates.
![](https://marylousobel.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/1-802x1024.jpg)
Milan
All across Italy, we enjoyed the Italian architecture, the ocean swims, breathtaking views, history, food wine and of course, the culture.
![](https://marylousobel.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Tuscany-3.jpg)
![](https://marylousobel.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Vittorio-Emanuele-Milan-1-768x1024.jpg)
Since we have been back in Australia, we have been working on getting our new design studio space finished, along with continuing work on our upcoming client projects. Watch this space for project reveals, coming soon…
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